How To Prepare Your Three-Year-Old for a Pediatric Dentistry Visit

Pediatric Dentistry Dumont, NJ

Pediatric dentistry appointments are necessary as soon as a child begins to develop their baby teeth. Baby teeth typically erupt around the age of two or three, but this may vary depending on genetics, lifestyle factors and overall health. Generally speaking, teeth will start to show no later than age three. Once this happens, it is necessary to regularly take the child in for pediatric dentistry visits. These visits will include a gentle examination and a quick manual teeth cleaning. While the appointments are quick and simple, some parents may feel uneasy about their child's first appointment. Outlined below are a few tips that parents can utilize when preparing children for their first pediatric dentistry visit.

Tips for preparing a three-year-old child for their first dentist appointment

1. Visit the pediatric dentistry office beforehand

The best way to prepare a child for their first pediatric dentistry visit is to simply take them to the practice beforehand. Children adapt well when they are comfortable. Meeting the dentist and the staff prior to the first appointment can help both parents and children feel more comfortable during the first appointment. It can be helpful to introduce a child to the dental office before the appointment so that when it is time to return for their first pediatric dentistry appointment, they are familiar with the setting and know what to expect. 

2. Explain the steps

A simple way to prepare a three-year-old for their first pediatric dentistry visit is to explain the steps of the appointment. Typically, the first appointment will be very generalized with only a quick examination and a gentle hand-held toothbrush cleaning. More often than not, the three-year-old child will only have a couple of erupted teeth, which means there will not be a whole lot to do. Because of the ease of the procedure, it should be fairly easy for parents to explain the process beforehand.  

3. Address concerns, fears and anxieties

There will likely be concerns about a first-time pediatric dentistry visit, which is completely normal. Children often fear the unknown; when a child has never had a dental appointment before, it is an unknown. Addressing these concerns and going over fears and anxieties prior to the first visit can be helpful. Talking about their concerns can give children a chance to be open and parents the opportunity to combat concerns and offer reassurance. 

4. Take them to an adult appointment

Taking children to an adult dental appointment can be a good way to prepare them for their upcoming pediatric dentistry visit. The adult appointment will show the child that there is nothing to be afraid of. Demonstrations can be done so that the child knows what to expect from their appointment. 

Find out more today

When looking for further tips on preparing children for their first pediatric dentistry visit, it can be helpful to simply reach out to a dental professional. We can address any outstanding questions or concerns that you may have. Additionally, a meet and greet can be scheduled to help ease anxieties among both parents and children. Get in touch today.

Request an appointment here: https://novapedsdentistry.com or call Nova Pediatric Dentistry at (201) 812-2952 for an appointment in our Dumont office. 

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Dumont, NJ.

Recent Posts

Ask A Pediatric Dentist: When Your Child Should Start Using Toothpaste With Fluoride?

Children, who are particularly prone to tooth decay, should brush their teeth twice a day and make regular visits to a pediatric dentist. These healthy habits can help reduce the risks of developing cavities and serious dental issues. Using fluoride toothpaste is also an important step in childhood dental care that can add an extra…

When A Pediatric Root Canal May Be Necessary

A pediatric root canal is sometimes necessary to prevent the loss of a decayed or damaged baby tooth. Although the goal is to prevent dental cavities and tooth infections, they can still develop, especially in young children (who, on average, are more prone to cavities than teens and adults). It is essential to quickly detect…

Preventing Childhood Tooth Decay: Tips From A Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay. Early dental checkups will enable the dentist to provide treatments that can make this possible. Your dentist can guide you and your child on how to keep teeth and gums healthy. Here are some effective tips on how to prevent childhood tooth decay straight from a pediatric…

The Importance Of Early Cavity Treatment For Kids

Many parents neglect early cavity treatment for kids, as they may feel that it is not essential because the child’s teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, anyway. However, diagnosing and treating cavities in kids as early as possible is incredibly important. In this review, we discuss the reasons that early…

Recent Posts

How Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities In Kids

How Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities In Kids

Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most…

The Role Of Preventive Dentistry In Pediatric Oral Health

The Role Of Preventive Dentistry In Pediatric Oral Health

Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the highest level of protection. Providing treatments that will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy will elevate your child’s formative years. Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.Digital dental X-rays are part…