From First Tooth to First Checkup: What You Should Know Before Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Dr. Angela Seabright

Today | 4 min read

Key Takeaways

Early checkups allow dentists to monitor how a child’s teeth are developing, identify early signs of dental disease and help parents learn the best ways to care for their teeth at home.
Reading children’s books or watching short videos about visiting the dentist can prepare kids and help normalize the experience.
A child’s first dental visit also provides a chance to ask questions and build a relationship with their dentist. Before the appointment, document concerns and jot down questions.

A child’s first dental visit is a big milestone — right up there with first haircuts and starting solid foods. For many parents, it also comes with questions, nerves and some uncertainty.

Parents who prepare for their child’s first trip to the dentist may find it to be a more positive experience than they thought, one that sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here’s what parents should do to prepare for that first appointment.

When to plan a child’s first dental visit

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children have their first dental visit by their first birthday, to allow for early prevention, education, and getting a child comfortable in a dental setting.

Early checkups allow the dentist to monitor how a child’s teeth are developing, identify early signs of dental disease and help parents learn the best ways to care for tiny teeth at home.

How to help children have a stress-free first dental visit

Preparation can make all the difference in how a child feels about the dentist. Days or even weeks ahead of the visit, parents should start speaking to their child about it in a calm, positive way. Avoid words like “pain,” “shot” or “hurt,” even when trying to reassure them.

Explain that the dentist is a friendly helper that counts teeth and makes sure smiles stay strong and healthy. Parents can prepare their kids for the sometimes-intimidating visuals of a dentist’s office by describing what they might see: a big chair that moves up and down, a bright light that helps the dentist see and small tools that look like mirrors or toothbrushes.

Reading children’s books or watching short videos about visiting the dentist can also help normalize the experience. Some parents may even like to play dentist at home, taking turns counting teeth or pretending to clean them.

Additionally, it’s important for parents to keep any anxiety they may have about the visit in check by trying to mask any nervous feelings. Kids are great at noticing their parents’ emotions and may become anxious themselves if they think mom or dad is anxious.

What parents should know ahead of a child’s first dental visit

A child’s first dental visit provides a chance to ask questions and build a relationship with a child’s dentist. Before the appointment, document concerns and jot down a list of questions. Common questions include:

Are there signs of cavities or weak enamel?
How should we handle thumb-sucking or pacifier use?
Is their tooth development on track?
What are recommended toothbrushing tips for toddlers and young children?
What toothpaste and toothbrush are best for my child’s age?
When should we start flossing?

It can help to have a child’s medical history handy during their first dental visit, including medications and any habits or health patterns that could affect their oral health. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps parents feel more confident; the same way anxiety might rub off on a child ahead of a dental visit, confidence may reassure them.

Tips for protecting baby teeth at home

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a big role in a child’s oral health. They help with chewing, speech development and guiding adult teeth into place.

Before the first dental visit, begin cleaning their gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once teeth appear, brush twice a day. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush should be used and kids under the age of three should use a smear about the size of a rice grain, while kids three years of age and older can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks and avoid putting children to bed with a bottle. It can also be helpful to encourage drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals.

After the first dental visit, follow their dentist’s recommendations for brushing, flossing and follow-up appointments. A child’s first dental visit doesn’t have to be scary. With early planning, thoughtful preparation and consistently healthy habits at home, parents can help build a strong foundation for their child’s oral health, which plays a big role in good overall health.

Angela Seabright is a care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information, visit AHealthierMichigan.org.

Photo credit: Getty Images