Nursery World - Parent’s Guide - Going to the dentist

Some tips for parents on taking their child for their first dental appointment, and the wider developmental benefits of doing so. By Annette Rawstrone

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Establishing a proper oral hygiene routine when your child is young is vital for helping to ensure that they develop strong and healthy teeth. Along with brushing your child’s teeth twice a day, the British Dental Association recommends taking them to see a dentist every six months.

These visits should be positive events, rather than something that your child dreads, so it’s important to help your child to be at ease with the role of the dentist as someone who helps us and what will happen on their visit.

BEFORE THE VISIT

Before talking to your child about a trip to the dentist, consider your own feelings about dentists. Children pick up easily on adults’ emotions, so try not to pass on any of your own anxieties to your child. A routine check-up should not be something for your child to fear.

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