What Happens at the Dentist

Phone your local dental surgery or visit them to book an appointment.

Babies should have an appointment before their first birthday. Your first visit is a chance for you to meet each other and ask any questions you may have.

• Your baby or young child will be able to sit on your lap. Most children enjoy a ride in the up and down chair!
• Letting them watch your check up can be a good way for the dentist to show your child what happens. To begin with visits are about getting used to the sights, sounds and smells.
• Try to stay relaxed and make the visit fun. There are often stickers for younger children to reward them for getting a check up.
• The dentist won’t need to examine a baby’s mouth unless there is a specific concern.
• If your child is a little bit older they may be happy for the dentist to look in their mouth.
• The dentist will be keen for the visit to be a good experience for your child and will not ‘make them’ do anything they don’t want to.
• You can help prepare your child before the visit by telling them the dentist will ask to look in their mouth and count their teeth.
• The dentist might talk about healthy foods and drinks for teeth. They will give you advice on how to clean your baby or child’s teeth.

Your dentist will tell you how often your child needs to be seen by them; this is usually every 6 months.

Regular appointments will help your child get used to visiting the dentist and helps the dentist spot any problems early on.

Visiting the Dentist Video

Keeping Visits Positive

There are different people, sounds, and smells at the dentist and this can cause some children and young people worry. Helping your child overcome this will make it easier for them to see the dentist when they should.

There are things you can do to help to reassure your child;

• Talk about what will happen at the dentist – talk about the people, noises and smells.
• Look at child friendly books about visiting the dentist – ask at your local library.
• Make believe going to the dentist with younger children – you or a favourite toy can be the patient!
• It can be hard if you have your own fears about the dentist. Now might be a good time to get some help for yourself. Talk to your dentist or visit the Norfolk Wellbeing Services for support.
• Use relaxation techniques. There are a lot available on the internet, CBeebies have some good ideas. 
• After the appointment plan a treat; a trip to the park or watching a favourite film is something nice to focus on.

Dentists are sensitive to how scary some people find their appointments. They have techniques to help. If you do not find your dentist as understanding as you hoped you could speak to your practice about this.

For some children and young people the worry can make attending the dentist very difficult. Talk to the dentist or call Just One Number on the contact details below to discuss what you might do next. It is important your child gets the support they need to go to the dentist.

Toothache

If you or your child has a toothache;

• If you are registered with a dentist call them for an urgent appointment.
• If it is out of opening hours there will be instructions on who to contact next.
• If you do not have a registered dentist call 111 for advice and to access urgent care.
• GP's cannot treat dental problems.

Healthy Teeth Habits

Cleaning teeth twice a day and eating a healthy diet are habits to build into daily life.

Going to the dentist is another important part of making sure your child has healthy teeth and gums.

• Take your child along to your appointments with you from an early age.
• Make ‘whole family’ appointments as often as possible to make it easier to remember.
• Make the next appointment at the end of the previous one. So you don’t forget, sign up for ‘reminder’ texts or calls.

Take a toothbrush and toothpaste along to the appointment if you are going straight from school or work.