Your Child's First Dental Visit: When to Go and What Happens

Parents often ask us whether a baby with four teeth really needs a dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both say yes: the first visit should happen by the first birthday. It’s less about treatment and more about catching problems early and giving you a plan for brushing, fluoride and diet before habits are set.

Why so early?

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, and it can start as soon as teeth appear. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, help with speech and chewing, and an infected baby tooth can hurt just as much as an adult one. An early visit lets the dentist spot soft white or brown areas on the enamel before they become cavities, and check that teeth are coming in as expected.

What happens at the first visit

• A short chat about your child's health, how you're brushing, bottles or sippy cups at night, and snacks.
• A gentle look at the teeth, gums, tongue and bite. For babies and toddlers this is often done with your child sitting on your lap.
• A cleaning and fluoride varnish if the dentist recommends it. Fluoride varnish is painted on in seconds and helps prevent decay.
• Advice for home: how much toothpaste to use, how to brush a toddler who won't open, and what to do about thumb-sucking or pacifiers.

X-rays usually aren’t needed for very young children. They come later, once back teeth are touching and the dentist needs to see between them.

Getting your child ready

• Book a morning time if you can, when young children tend to be rested and cooperative.
• Talk about it simply and positively: "The dentist is going to count your teeth." Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot".
• Read a picture book about going to the dentist, or play pretend by counting a stuffed animal's teeth.
• Bring a favorite toy or blanket.
• If you're nervous about the dentist yourself, that's normal. Try to keep it to yourself on the day, as children pick up on it.

After the first visit

Most children then come in every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Our Child membership plan, for ages 13 and under, includes two cleanings, two exams, yearly X-rays, two fluoride treatments, an emergency exam and 20% off most other treatment for $229 a year. Details are on our insurance and payment page.

Our team speaks English, Spanish and Arabic, and parents often book their own cleaning at the same time as their child’s. See what we offer for kids on our children’s dentistry page, or what to expect as a new patient.