First Visit to the Dentist

Infant Exam

New parents have plenty to juggle—balancing sleep schedules, adjusting to new routines, and figuring out what to do in unfamiliar situations. When it comes to your child's oral health, we are here to help every step of the way. It all begins with your baby's first dental visit.

When should we meet your child? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first dental checkup by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. Surprised? You are not alone! Even if only a few teeth are visible, it is the perfect time to start building strong, healthy habits that make future dental visits easy and enjoyable.

Early dental visits help catch issues before they develop into bigger problems. Studies show that 1 in 4 children will have their first cavity by age four, and some even develop tooth decay before age one. This condition, known as early childhood caries, often stems from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like formula, juice, soda, and even milk, including breast milk.

At your baby's first visit, we will:

Gently examine their mouth for any early signs of decay
Assess their risk for developing cavities
Review developmental milestones
Guide you on how to care for your child's teeth and gums
Discuss fluoride, accident prevention, and dietary choices

You will also be introduced to the Infant-Toddler Oral Care Program, developed in partnership with the AAPD. This program provides helpful tips on establishing a healthy foundation for your child's oral health.

Preparing for the Big Day

Children are incredibly perceptive—if you are nervous about the visit, they may sense it. Keep the mood positive and light. Let your child know they will be visiting the dentist to help keep their smile strong and healthy.

Helping Your Child Have a Positive Dental Experience

Keep It Positive
The way you talk about the dentist matters. Stay upbeat and frame dental visits as a normal, healthy part of growing up. Kids absorb our emotions, so when you are calm and confident, they will be too. Regular checkups are meant to prevent problems, not cause them, and setting that tone can make all the difference.

Watch Your Words
Avoid using words like hurt, shot, needle, drill, or pain. These can spark fear or anxiety before your child even sets foot in the office. Children do not have the same coping tools adults do, so we aim to create a comforting, supportive environment where they feel safe and cared for.

Avoid Sharing Painful Stories
Kids are more perceptive than we often realize. If you discuss your dental visits with fear or discomfort, your child might assume their experience will be the same. Instead, share positive or neutral stories—this helps them confidently approach their visit, without worrying.

Keep It Simple: Talk About Counting and Cleaning Rather than focusing on cavities or problems, explain that the dentist will count and clean their teeth to keep them strong and healthy. A simple, friendly explanation goes a long way in helping kids feel at ease.

Try Role-Playing
Role-play can be a great way to prepare, especially with younger children. A few days before the visit, pretend you are at the dentist—use a chair as the dental chair, count their teeth, or use a battery-powered toothbrush to simulate the cleaning tool. Practicing like this makes the experience feel familiar and fun.

Choose One Parent to Attend
Children often respond better when just one parent is present. Too many voices in the room can be overwhelming and may increase anxiety. Pick the parent your child listens to best, especially in moments requiring calm direction or reassurance. Your presence matters—you are their anchor in a new experience.

Trust the Team
Our team is specially trained to care for and guide children through dental visits with compassion and expertise. We have helped thousands of kids have positive, stress-free experiences. If a situation becomes challenging, we will always proceed with your permission and in a way that keeps your child safe and supported.

Thank you for trusting us with your child's smile—we are proud to be part of their dental journey!

Helpful tips for the visit:

Bring a favorite toy, a snack, and an extra diaper
Try to leave siblings at home, if possible, so the focus stays on the new patient.
Complete the forms ahead of time to save time on the day of the appointment

First Cleaning Visit

By age 3, your child will be ready for their first dental cleaning. These early cleanings are essential for removing plaque, reinforcing healthy routines, and ensuring your child feels comfortable at the dentist.

During the visit, we will:

Gently clean your child's teeth
Review brushing and flossing techniques with you and your child
Offer strategies to prevent cavities
Assess your child's ongoing oral development

This visit also allows us to evaluate any early signs of tooth decay and discuss the best ways to keep your child's teeth healthy through good diet and hygiene practices. We may recommend preventive treatments like fluoride and explain their benefits if needed.

The Checkup

Once you and your child are settled, we will perform a gentle, thorough exam. We will look for signs of early decay, assess their cavity risk, and help you understand what steps to take at home to maintain oral health. These early conversations are key in preventing problems later, and often, with proper care, we can even reverse early-stage decay.

Recommended Books for Dental Visit Preparation

Reading together can help ease any anxiety and make dental visits more familiar. Here are some wonderful children's books to consider before your appointment:

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist - Stan & Jan Berenstain
A classic story that walks kids through a dental checkup, including how cavities are handled.
Curious George Visits the Dentist - H.A. Rey
Join George as he learns that a trip to the dentist is not scary at all.
ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth From A to Z - Harriet Ziefert
Perfect for preschoolers learning the alphabet while discovering dental health terms.
The Crocodile and the Dentist - Taro Gomi
A sweet, reassuring story for children feeling anxious about dental visits.
What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist - Heidi Murkoff
A comprehensive guide that helps prepare children for everything they might see or hear.
Just Going to the Dentist - Mercer Mayer
Follow Little Critter as he gets his teeth checked and learns about X-rays and fillings.
The Tooth Book - Dr. Seuss
A fun, rhyming introduction to dental care that makes learning about teeth enjoyable.

Do not wait—get it done by age one!
Many lifelong habits begin early. Bringing your child to the dentist during their first year lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

For more helpful resources, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.