The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. It may seem early, but it sets up good habits and lets us spot problems before they start.
What happens at the first visit
The first visit is short and gentle. We look at your child's teeth and gums, check how they are developing, and talk with you about brushing, diet and habits such as thumb-sucking. Many young children sit on a parent's lap.
Caring for baby teeth at home
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day
- Under 3 years: use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice
- 3 to 6 years: use a pea-sized amount, and supervise brushing
- Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice — sugars sitting on the teeth overnight cause decay
Why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for adult teeth. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, so they deserve the same care as adult teeth.
Making it a positive experience
Talk about the dentist in a calm, positive way, and avoid using it as a threat. A good first experience makes every later visit easier.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination. Every mouth is different — book a visit for advice about your own teeth.