A few simple steps make all the difference
Tell your child in simple words what happens at the dentist. Describe the visit as something normal and exciting: "We're going to visit the dentist who will look at your teeth and count them!" The more naturally you talk about it, the more relaxed your child will be.
Play "dentist" at home: let your child count a teddy bear's teeth, look into each other's mouths. Picture books about visiting the dentist are excellent for getting into the right mood. Our FRYDENT Kids App also helps to associate the topic of teeth with something positive and fun.
FRYDENT Kids App
Tooth quiz, brushing timer and diploma — learn how dental care works through play
This helps your child
- Talk about the visit naturally and casually
- Role-play with cuddly toys or dolls
- Use positive words: "count teeth", "look at teeth", "tooth shower"
- Radiate your own calm and composure
- Plan enough time — no stress
- Prefer morning appointments
This should be avoided
- Using words like "pain", "injection", "drill"
- "You don't need to be afraid" — this actually creates fear
- Threatening with the dentist as punishment
- Promising big rewards — this increases pressure
- Sharing your own fears or negative experiences
- False promises: "It definitely won't hurt"
Tip: If you yourself have had very negative dental experiences, it may sometimes be better for another trusted person to accompany your child to the appointment. Children sense their parents' tension — often unconsciously.
Trust grows through habit — not through words
You don't have to wait until a problem arises. Bring your baby along from the first months of life — even if it's just to get to know our practice and play in the playroom. This way, visiting the dentist becomes something familiar before any treatment is needed.
Children who go to the dentist regularly from an early age develop significantly less fear of future appointments. They learn: "Nothing bad happens here — this is completely normal." When treatment is eventually needed, the trusting relationship is already there.
Introductory visit: Take your child along to your own check-up. They can watch, explore the practice and get used to the atmosphere.
First own check-up: A quick look into the mouth, counting teeth, exploring the playroom — no pressure, no obligation. If your child doesn't want to open their mouth: no problem at all.
Come regularly: Half-yearly check-ups give your child security and allow us to detect changes early.
Good to know: Statutory health insurance covers a total of six dental early detection examinations for children — three examinations up to the age of three and three more between the ages of four and six.
"The first contact with the dentist should not only happen when pain treatment is necessary. The earlier your child comes, the more positive the experience will be."
Our most important principle: No child is treated against their will
At FRYDENT, children are treated exclusively without force and with their consent. This means: we explain every step in child-friendly language, we show the instruments and let the child decide for themselves whether they are ready. If not — that's perfectly fine.
We use the proven "Tell-Show-Do" method: first we explain in child-friendly language what will happen. Then we show the instrument — for example, on the hand. And only then do we use it in the mouth. This way your child always has control and knows what's coming next.
Didn't open their mouth? No problem. If your child doesn't want to open their mouth at the first visit, we'll try again next time. Every child needs their own pace. That's why it's so important to come early and regularly — while there are no acute problems yet.
There are situations where treatment in our practice is not possible — for example, when there is a lot to be done and the child is still very young or uncooperative. In such cases, we refer to a specialised paediatric dental practice.
Our partner for these cases is the Smile Club in Waldshut-Tiengen (Dr. Stoll & Kollegen). There, children are cared for by specialised paediatric dentists — if necessary also under general anaesthesia, gently and atraumatically.
After treatment at the Smile Club, your child returns to us — for regular check-ups and normal dental care.
A question many parents have
There is no rule that works for all children. Some children feel more secure when mum or dad is nearby. Others engage better with the treatment when parents wait in the waiting room — because they can concentrate better and don't "play up".
We always decide individually, together with you, what is best for your child. Because: every child is different.
Your presence can have a stabilising effect — especially with younger children or at the very first visit. Important: stay in the background, let the treatment team communicate with your child and remain calm.
Some children cooperate much better without parents in the room. Without an audience, it's easier to engage with the dentist and follow instructions. This is not a sign of missing trust — it can improve the outcome.
Parent guidelines in the treatment room
- Stay calm and in the background
- Let the communication between dentist and child flow
- Avoid speaking to your child during treatment
- Refrain from threats, excessive praise or promises
- Trust the team — we have experience with young patients
"Parents who calmly stay in the background help their child more than a thousand comforting words during treatment."
"They'll fall out anyway" — a widespread misconception
Baby teeth fulfil important functions: they enable your child to chew, speak and smile. They also hold the space for the permanent teeth that follow. If a baby tooth is lost too early, neighbouring teeth can tilt into the gap — leading to misalignment later.
Decay in baby teeth is not harmless. Untreated, the infection can spread to the developing permanent tooth underneath and damage it before it even emerges. Advanced decay also causes pain, affects nutrition and in the worst case can lead to abscesses and swelling.
The front baby teeth play an important role in forming speech sounds. Their premature loss can affect speech development — especially during the phase when your child is learning to talk.
Conclusion: Baby teeth deserve the same attention as permanent teeth. Regular check-ups, careful care and early treatment are the key to healthy dental development.
Not just what — but how often
It's less about how much sugar your child eats — but how often. Every time sugar enters the mouth, bacteria produce acid that attacks the enamel. Constant snacking or sipping on sweet drinks means a permanent acid attack on the teeth.
Tooth-friendly
- Water as the main drink — throughout the day
- Raw vegetables and fruit as a snack
- Cheese and dairy products strengthen the enamel
- Better to have sweets once a day than constantly in between
- Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing teeth
Harmful to teeth
- Constant sucking on a bottle with juice, sweetened tea or milk
- Cola, lemonade and iced tea — attack the enamel
- Fruit juices and smoothies — despite being "healthy", very acidic and sugary
- Sticky sweets (gummy bears, caramel) — cling to the teeth
- Constant snacking — the teeth never get a break
Did you know? Fruit juices, spritzers and smoothies also contain a lot of fruit acid and sugar. As an everyday drink, still water is the best choice for your child's teeth.
We look forward to seeing your child!
Book an introductory appointment — no pressure, nice and relaxed.