Dental Health Week 2021 – A simple guide to preparing your child for their first dental visit

04 August 2021

A young girl holding a model of a mouth on her head smiling at the camera

Our dental professionals recommend that children start visiting a dental professional from the aged of two. Our dental outreach team Little Chompers visit local preschools and day care centres to check the children’s oral health in their centre.

Little Chompers is an education and screening program teaching children about healthy food choices and the importance of keeping their teeth healthy. Any dental issues identified are communicated with the parents to be addressed at a later date in the dental clinic.

If your child does need to visit us in clinic, or if they are due for a check-up, here is a simple guide on preparing your child for their first dental visit.

What to expect

At your child’s first visit they will:

  • Be asked to put sunglasses on to protect their eyes from the bright light
  • Be given a ride in the dental chair
  • Have their teeth counted
  • Support early detection of tooth decay or any dental conditions
  • Allow dental professionals to give advice on diet habits and good brushing
  • Be rewarded with a sticker for good behavior

Our dental professionals are trained to instruct your child in a way that will limit their anxiety.

It is important that your child know you are there for support but please leave it up to the dental professional to talk your child through the details of their treatment.

Be assured your child is in good hands with experienced staff.

Before treatment begins, please discuss any concerns regarding your child with the dental professional. Our dental professionals strive to give children a positive and happy dental experience.

How parents can help prepare their child

Please be positive about your child’s dental appointment.

  • Avoid telling your child scary stories of your own past experiences
  • Avoid using the word ‘hate’ in relation to the dentist with your child
  • Avoid threatening your child with the dentist if they are being difficult with food or tooth brushing
  • Avoid mentioning needles, drills or pain

Why are baby teeth so important?

  • To keep spaces for adult teeth
  • Needed for proper speech
  • Allow children to chew food
  • Give children the confidence to smile

Tips for healthy teeth

Cleaning teeth does not have to be a chore, here are some tips to encourage your child to keep looking after their oral health.

  • Brushing teeth to a favourite song helps make the time go faster
  • Brush teeth for at least two minutes with a low fluoride toothpaste
  • Spit our toothpaste, don’t rinse their mouths
  • Supervise your child’s brushing until they are eight years of age
  • Brush their teeth morning and night
  • Limit sweet treats to once a week

Parents

If your child is due for a check-up at the dentist, give our friendly reception team a call on 9430 9100.

Teachers

If you would like to speak to us about arranging for our Little Chompers team to visit your daycare/kindergarten/early childcare centre please contact us on 9430 9100.

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