Your child’s first dental visit is a big milestone — and we know it can feel like one for parents too.
At Horizon Dental in Kamloops, we believe a child’s early dental experiences should feel positive, gentle, and even a little fun. A great first visit helps build confidence and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Here’s how you can help make that first appointment a smooth one.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday.
Even if your little one only has a few teeth, early visits allow us to:
- Make sure everything is developing properly
- Talk about brushing tips and nutrition
- Answer your questions
- Help your child become comfortable in a dental setting
The first visit is usually short, simple, and focused on building trust.
Keep the Conversation Positive
Children are very tuned in to how we talk about new experiences. The more relaxed and upbeat you are, the more confident they’ll feel.
Instead of focusing on what won’t happen (“It won’t hurt”), try simple, positive phrases like:
- “The dentist will count your teeth.”
- “They’ll check how strong and healthy your smile is.”
- “We’re going to meet some friendly helpers.”
Avoid using words like “needle,” “pain,” or “drill,” even in a reassuring way. Keeping things light and matter-of-fact works best.
Practice at Home
A little role-playing can go a long way.
You can:
- Take turns counting each other’s teeth
- Let your child “check” a stuffed animal’s smile
- Practice opening wide and holding still for a few seconds
This helps the real appointment feel familiar instead of intimidating.
Pick a Good Time of Day
Try to book your child’s visit when they are:
- Well rested
- Not hungry
- Not close to nap time
Morning appointments often work best for younger children. A tired child is much more likely to feel overwhelmed.
What Happens at the First Visit?
Every child is different, and we move at your child’s pace.
Depending on their age and comfort level, we may:
- Gently look at their teeth and gums
- Count their teeth
- Check their bite
- Do a light cleaning
- Apply fluoride if appropriate
Sometimes the first visit is simply about getting comfortable in the chair — and that’s perfectly okay. Building trust is our priority.
Parents are always welcome to stay with their child during the appointment.
If They’re Nervous — That’s Okay
It’s completely normal for some children to feel unsure or even cry during their first visit. New experiences can be overwhelming, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Even if your child seems hesitant, they are still learning and becoming more comfortable. Our team has experience working with children of all personalities and comfort levels, and we approach every visit with patience and kindness.
Your calm presence makes a big difference.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play an important role. They help with:
- Proper chewing
- Speech development
- Holding space for adult teeth
- Healthy jaw growth
Early dental care allows us to prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones. It also helps children see dental visits as a normal part of staying healthy.
Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
The goal of your child’s first visit isn’t perfection — it’s comfort.
When children have positive early experiences, they are more likely to:
- Feel confident at future appointments
- Maintain regular checkups
- Develop strong oral hygiene habits
At Horizon Dental in Kamloops, we’re honoured to care for growing families and to help children feel safe and supported from their very first visit.
If your child is ready for their first dental appointment, we would love to welcome you both.