How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Mack Orthodontics has two offices to serve you: Bettendorf and Eldridge. We believe in helping both our youngest and older patients feel comfortable and happy in our offices. Our younger patients may feel a little nervous or worried, especially before their first visit. Check out some simple tips you can use to prepare your child for their first appointment with us.

CTA: Prepare with Patient Forms

Choose the Right Time

As a leading Eldridge orthodontist, we often recommend that parents pick the right time for an appointment. Make your appointment for your child's first visit around their schedule. If they always take a nap at noon or have lunch at 11:30, choose a different time for their appointment. Skipping a meal or nap can make your child feel cranky and irritable.

Make a List

While your little one may have a few worries, you likely have a few as well. Before the appointment, make a list of questions and concerns to talk with the dentist about. Knowing what you want ahead of time can ease your worries and keep you from passing the anxiety on to your child.

Questions to Ask

Don't be afraid to ask when to see an orthodontist or when to seek Eldridge orthodontic treatment. This helps ease any worries you have about waiting too long. You might ask about tooth decay caused by your child using a baby bottle or the best way to clean a child's teeth between appointments. It's also helpful to speak with the orthodontist if your child uses a pacifier or sucks on their fingers.

Teach Them About Healthy Dental Practices

The best way to prepare your child for their first Eldridge orthodontist appointment is by teaching them about healthy dental practices ahead of time. Start by showing them how to brush their teeth. Many toothpastes on the market are safe for kids. You'll also find brushes that play music to ensure they brush for the right amount of time.

Pick up a few books that talk about going to the dentist that are appropriate for your child's age. There are picture books for younger kids and books with simple words and stories for older kids. The local library should have some available. Consider letting your kids watch videos that teach them about the dentist too. Sesame Street even has a song dedicated to the dentist that makes the appointment sound like fun.

CTA: Get Emergency Help

Get Your Child Ready

You don't need to worry about getting your child ready for a trip to the dentist in Bettendorf or about the Eldridge orthodontic treatments they need. Give them access to fun books and videos and teach them healthy practices. Call Mack Orthodontics to see how we can help your child feel comfortable during their first appointment today.