Best Resources For Preparing Kids For Their First Dental Visit & More

Dr. Peter and Dr. Allie, our dedicated pediatric dentists here at VK Pediatric Dentistry in Arlington, VA, are frequently asked by parents, “What steps can I take to ensure my child has a positive first dental experience?”

While we strive to create a stress-free environment during visits, a little pre-visit preparation can significantly enhance your child's visit! 

Here are our top 3 tips for preparing your kids for their first dentist appointment.

1. Read books, watch episodes, and listen to songs that explain what the dentist is.

Some of our favorite books and videos to introduce children to the dentist are:

• "Brush Your Teeth Please: A Pop-up Book" - This is a fun and interactive pop-up book that encourages children to practice good dental hygiene. We love this book so much we have a copy of it in our office!

• "Daniel Goes To The Dentist" book and "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel Gets His Teeth Cleaned" short video - We LOVE Daniel Tiger! He is so brave and shows us a few of the same tools we use in our office during a routine appointment. Whether reading the book or watching the video, we appreciate how this helps kids understand that a visit to the dentist can be fun!

• "Blippi at the Dentist" - It is so fun to follow Blippi as he explores the dentist's office, showing kids what to expect during a dental visit. We also love his Tooth Brushing Song. Fun fact: Blippi made the song long enough for kids to follow along with getting their toothbrush ready and then brushing for the full 2 minutes!

2. Play dentist

Playing dentist at home is an interactive and fun way to familiarize your child with the dental environment. Set up a pretend dental office and take turns being the dentist and the patient. You can get a dentist toy kit or simply use their regular toothbrush! When it's their turn to be the patient, have them lay down on the floor, or make a dentist chair out of pillows, and have them practice opening their mouth and letting you brush all their teeth. If they want a turn to practice being the dentist, they can brush their stuffed animals’ teeth or you could even play the patient! This hands-on activity empowers children to feel more comfortable and confident during their actual dental appointment. 

3. Brush their teeth every night!

Reading books, watching videos, and playing pretend are fun and helpful when preparing for their first dental appointment. However, the best tool in preparing kids will be consistently brushing their teeth every night. Consistent teeth brushing every night not only promotes good oral hygiene but also instills a sense of familiarity with dental care practices. Make brushing a fun and enjoyable part of your child's bedtime routine to reinforce the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.

In summary, preparing your child for their first dental visit is crucial for creating positive experiences and healthy habits. Reading, watching, and playing dentist helps familiarize them with dentistry. Most importantly, establish a consistent brushing routine for a successful visit and lifelong oral health. Remember, consistency is key.

If you haven't taken your child to a pediatric dentist yet or would like to schedule an appointment, Dr. Peter and the highly skilled team at VK Pediatric Dentistry are just a phone call away. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 703-962-7814. We look forward to providing your children a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles!