One of the questions I get most often from parents is when they should first bring their child in. The common assumption is that you wait until most of the baby teeth are through, or even until school age, but the recommendation is actually a lot earlier than most people expect.
The general guideline
The widely recommended guidance is that a child should see a dentist by around their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. That surprises a lot of parents, because at that age there isn't much to examine. But the early visits are about far more than counting teeth.
Why so early?
Early visits do a few things at once. They let the dentist spot any developing issues while they're tiny, give parents a chance to ask about teething, thumb-sucking, dummies, and diet, and, maybe most importantly, they get the child used to the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental practice in a low-pressure way. A child who visits early and often tends to grow up seeing the dentist as normal rather than frightening.
Making the first visit go well
First visits for little ones are usually short and gentle. The dentist might count teeth, have a quick look, and let the child sit in the chair or on a parent's lap. Keeping your own energy relaxed helps enormously, children pick up on anxiety. It also helps to book a time when your child is normally well-rested and fed, rather than tired or hungry.
How to talk about it at home
A little preparation goes a long way. Some things that help:
- Keep the language positive and simple, the dentist "counts your teeth" and "checks your smile."
- Avoid words like "hurt," "pain," "needle," or "drill," even to reassure, they can plant worries that weren't there.
- Read a children's book about visiting the dentist, or play pretend dentist at home.
- Let them bring a favourite toy for comfort if it helps.
Looking after those first teeth
Baby teeth matter, even though they eventually fall out, they hold space for adult teeth and are important for eating and speech. Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft brush and a smear of age-appropriate toothpaste, and try to avoid sugary drinks in bottles, especially at bedtime. Establishing the routine early makes everything easier later.
Setting your child up for a lifetime
Getting kids comfortable with dental visits early is one of the best things you can do for their long-term oral health. If you'd like to know how we approach children's appointments, or you're ready to book that first visit, I'm always happy to make it as easy and unintimidating as possible.