Think of introducing your child to trips to the dentist while your child is still a toddler and doesn't have his or her permanent teeth. Doing so will more than likely be a great help as he or she gets to be older, as the fear factor will more than likely be removed. From finding a child-friendly dentist to teaching dental hygiene at home, here are some ideas for you.

Find the Right Dentist - You could find a dentist who focuses only on child care, but wouldn't it be more convenient to find a dentist who takes care of the dentistry needs of your entire family? Consider visiting the dental office of two or three dentists, and start by talking to the people in the front office, maybe even to the hygienist. It's more than likely that you'll get a feeling for how your child will do just by meeting those individuals. You might be lucky enough to even get to meet the dentists. Is the staff friendly? Are there toys and children's books in the waiting room? 

When you have chosen the dentist your family will use, consider making an appointment for your toddler to come in for his or her very first visit. When you make the appointment, think of telling the person who makes the appointment that your child is a toddler and that you want this first visit to be very lowkey. Ask if he or she will be able to hold the dental tools. The dentist will probably go along with the fact that this first visit is a getting-to-know-you affair. The dentist will more than likely visit with your little one, and maybe even put his or her fingers in the toddler's mouth in a gentle way. If your child is responsive, the dentist may even be able to do a first check-up. If not, the dentist will advise you of when would be the best time for your child to return for a real dental consultation.

At Home - Even though your child may not have any teeth, while he or she is still super young, buy him or her a very soft bristled toothbrush. Let your child watch you brush your teeth and then he or she will probably mimic your actions. Get in the habit of going to the bathroom sink after each meal so that you can both use your own toothbrushes. Later on, that simple act will have led to consistent brushing.