Preparing for your child’s first dental visit
From the moment you spot your child’s first tooth, you may wonder how to care for their growing smile. Making their first visit to the dentist a positive one is a good place to start. But what age should a child go to the dentist? How can you help them feel comfortable? And how often do they need check-ups? Here I’ll talk about getting your child ready for the dentist and taking care of their teeth.
When should a child get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth around six months of age. The bottom front teeth are usually the first to emerge, followed by the top front teeth. By the time your child is three years old, they should have all 20 of their baby teeth. When they reach six to seven years old, these baby teeth will start to fall out and be replaced by permanent adult teeth.
When should I book my child’s first dentist appointment?
Make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. It might seem early, but your dentist can teach you how to care for your child’s teeth properly. Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age can also help them get used to all the different sights, sounds, and smells. It may even reduce their chance of developing a fear of the dentist too.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
There are lots of things you can do help your little one be at ease and have a successful first trip to the dentist. Try the following.
- Make the appointment for a time when your child has had plenty of sleep and food and is more likely to be in a good mood.
- Let your child know what to expect. Explain that the dentist is going to check their teeth to keep them strong and shiny.
- Talk excitedly about your upcoming visit to the dentist and avoid using any scary words.
- Read books and watch cartoons and movies about going to the dentist with your child.
- Play dress up dentist at home, so your child can understand what will happen.
- Allow your child to bring something soothing with them, like a blanket or favourite toy.
- Avoid transferring any of your own fears onto your child by staying calm and confident during your visit.
What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
For your child’s first dental appointment it’s all about creating a positive experience.
If you and your child feel comfortable, your dental care team might:
- give them a tour and explain some of the dental tools in a fun way
- gently check your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw development to ensure everything is healthy
- clean your child’s teeth if needed
- teach you how to care for your child’s teeth properly, including brushing, flossing, and healthy eating advice
- answer any questions you may have about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, teething, dummies, thumb-sucking or good tooth care
- reward your child with stickers to take home with them
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Your dentist can let you know exactly how often they’d like to see your child. But it's recommended that your child ideally has a check-up every six months and no later than every 12 months. Regular visits help your dentist monitor your child’s oral health, find any issues early and encourage them to keep taking care of their mouth.
How can I care for my child’s teeth at home?
It’s never too early to start caring for your kids’ teeth, even if they’ve only just got their very first milk tooth. It will help them get used to the feeling of brushing, and help prevent tooth decay from sugars in breast milk and baby formula. Here’s what to do to care for your children’s teeth.
- Gently brush your child’s teeth for two minutes twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a smear of toothpaste for toddlers under three, and a pea-sized amount for older children.
- Supervise your child’s brushing until they’re at least seven years old.
- Teach your child to spit instead of rinsing, so the fluoride can work properly.
- Make brushing fun with games, songs, a colourful toothbrush, and flavoured toothpaste.
- Don’t leave your child with a bottle or cup in their mouth in bed, because it can lead to tooth decay.
It’s also a good idea to:
- limit sugary and acidic food and drinks
- drink water to wash away tiny pieces of food
- avoid snacking in between meals
- ask your doctor or dentist for sugar-free medicines where possible
What signs of dental problems should I look out for?
The most common dental problem in children, as with adults, tends to be tooth decay. Every time you eat, you lower your teeth’s natural protected state. Since children tend to snack often, they’re at higher risk of exposing their teeth to harmful sugars and acids found in food and drink. Sticking to regular structured mealtimes and brushing thoroughly twice a day are the best ways to stop decay before it starts. Make an appointment to see your dentist if your child has:
- painful or sensitive teeth
- grey, brown, or black spots on their teeth
For their first teeth and first dental visits you can encourage your child so that that they learn to look after their teeth properly.
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Sources Sources
- Children’s teeth. Oral Health Foundation. dentalhealth.org, accessed February 2025
- A practical guide to children’s teeth. The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry. bspd.co.uk, accessed February 2025
- Bagattoni S, Nascimben F et al. Preparing children for their first dental visit: A guide for parents. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 19; 10 (11): 2321. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10112321
- Your baby’s first dental visit. American Dental Association. mouthhealthy.org, accessed February 2025
- Health matters: child dental health. Public Health England. gov.uk, published June 2017
- Dental checks: intervals between oral health reviews. NICE Guidance. nice.org.uk, published October 2004
- Dental care for mother and baby. Oral Health Foundation. dentalhealth.org, accessed February 2025
- Let the brushing games begin. American Academy of Pediatrics. healthychildren.org, last updated May 2021
- Tooth decay - what is it and how do I spot it? UK Health Security Agency. ukhsa.blog.gov.uk, published April 2018
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