• Read, Watch, Talk: if your child is feeling anxious before the dentist appointment you can read some stories to the child regarding what happens at the dental office. You can watch and show your child some videos available on first dental visits, Most importantly you talk to your child. Use your past experiences with the dentist and make the message a positive and impactful one.
• Bring another adult. Infants can be fussy and irritable during dental examinations. An additional adult can calm the child while your dentist asks questions and also can note down the instructions given.
• make sure to leave your other children at home. Other children can distract you and the child, often resulting in additional chaos at the office. Conducting first dental visits without other children being present can reduce the stress to you and your child.
• Avoid use of scary language. While speaking to your child before the first dental visit, avoid using words like “pain”, “painful”, “drills,” “needles,” “injections,” and “bleeding” as these words can easily frighten children.
• Provide positive explanations. Use your own positive language with your child to explain the role of a dentist and importance of dental care. Explanation of the dentist’s role such as  “helping teeth stay healthy”, “dental treatment is good for you”, “dentist is just helping you stay strong and health” can be much more effective and helpful.

Explain what is happening. Knowing what to expect from the first dental visit  can greatly reduce dentist-related anxiety in children. You can help your child manage expectations and make dental visits fun.