Your Child's First Dental Visit: What to Expect

Why start so early?

Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth that come in later, and cavities can start as soon as teeth appear. An early visit lets us check how teeth are coming in, talk through brushing and feeding habits, and catch small problems before they turn into big ones. It also helps your child see the dentist as a friendly place instead of a scary one.

What happens at the visit

Every child is different, so we go at your child's pace. A first visit usually includes:

• A friendly hello and a chance to look around the office
• A gentle look at your child's teeth, gums and bite
• A simple cleaning if your child is ready for one
• A talk with you about brushing, snacks, thumb sucking and anything else on your mind

X-rays are only taken when they're needed. We use digital X-rays, which use very low radiation.

How to help your child feel ready

• Keep it positive. Say things like "the dentist will count your teeth" instead of talking about needles or drills.
• Skip the "it won't hurt" line. Kids can pick up on worry in the words.
• Book a time when your child is usually rested and fed.
• Bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

What if my child is nervous?

That's completely normal. We take a gentle, educational approach and explain what we're doing in kid-friendly words. For children who need a little extra help relaxing, nitrous oxide is available, and we'll talk it through with you first.

Signs your child should be seen sooner

Give us a call if you notice white or brown spots on teeth, sensitivity to sweets or cold, swelling, a tooth that looks chipped or cracked, or complaints of pain when chewing. Early cavities often don't hurt, so regular checkups matter even when everything seems fine.

Sealants and fluoride

Sealants protect the deep grooves of back teeth where cavities like to start, and fluoride helps strengthen enamel. We'll let you know at the checkup whether your child would benefit from either.