Getting to know your doctor and nurses can be a great experience for your children. Encourage your child to understand the importance of these visits and what a positive impact regular medical care can have on your child. You and your doctor are there to help prevent illness and even though experiences like shots are mostly negative for a child, help them understand the good that they do in the long run. Your doctor also will keep track of your child's growth rate and will do regular testing on your child for vision, hearing and speech. Even adults are scared of the dentist sometimes, but this can be a rewarding experience for your child.
Most children visit the dentist for the first time around age three.
Find a dentist that is child friendly and that will make visits a lot more fun for the child. You should take your children once a year or as often as your dentist feels is necessary. Help your child follow through with regular brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay or other problems. Your child's needs to see other doctors may depend on any special needs, such as vision problems, injuries, chronic illnesses or other needs. Your family doctor or pediatrician can help you find the appropriate physician.