The most helpful thing you can do as a parent is to keep the conversation simple and positive. Talk about the visit in matter-of-fact terms. You might say the dentist will count their teeth and make sure everything looks healthy.
How to Speak About the Visit
Try not to share your own difficult dental experiences, as children pick up on those feelings quickly. If your child asks what will happen, short and honest answers work best.
You can explain that someone may clean their teeth with a special toothbrush. Avoid words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill," even to reassure them it won't happen. Children tend to focus on the scary word rather than the reassurance around it.
What to Share with the Dental Team
If your child has habits like thumb-sucking or grinding, or if you've noticed concerns about their sleep or breathing, let the team know ahead of time. This helps Dr. Maddahi look for related signs during the visit.
During the Appointment
Let the dental team lead by introducing instruments and explaining what they'll do. Some children take to the dentist right away. Others need a few visits before they feel fully comfortable, and that's completely normal. Early visits build familiarity, not a perfect appointment.
Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit
Orris Dental welcomes young patients from Framingham, Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, and the surrounding MetroWest communities. Call us at (508) 270-6770 to schedule your child's visit.