Your baby’s smile deserves the best start, and that includes their first trip to the dentist. While milestones like first steps and first words get lots of attention, many parents don’t realize that dental visits should begin early too. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends seeing a pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. Starting early helps build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Why so early?
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a major role in your child’s overall health and development. They help with chewing, speaking, and holding space for future adult teeth.
At Pediatric Dental Associates, we believe that starting dental visits early gives us a chance to:
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- Examine the child's teeth, gums, and jaw
- Provide a gentle cleaning if plaque is detected
- Spot problems early, like cavities or oral development concerns
- Establish good brushing habits
- Answer your questions about teething, thumb-sucking, fluoride, and more
- Help your child feel comfortable at the dentist from the very beginning
What to expect at your child’s first visit?
At Pediatric Dental Associates, your baby’s first visit is quick and gentle. Your child relaxes on a comfortable bench while our friendly dentist checks their mouth and talks with you about oral care.
The goal is to make the visit stress-free and positive for both you and your little one.
You’ll get expert tips on brushing those tiny teeth, managing teething, and avoiding habits that could lead to problems later.
Frequently asked questions about early dental visits.
Preparing for your child’s first dental visit brings out the questions. Here are the most common questions we hear from parents:
"When should I take my baby to the dentist?"
It might seem early, but the AAPD recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday.
"What if they cry or won’t sit still?"
That’s totally okay! Our friendly dentists expect a little fussiness. These visits are designed to be quick, low-pressure, and comforting.
"When should you start brushing your baby's teeth?"
As soon as the first tooth appears! Even just one tooth can get a cavity. Brushing early builds healthy habits and protects them from cavities.
"Does using a bottle or breastfeeding affect their teeth?"
Feeding habits can impact oral health, especially at night. We can offer tips to keep things healthy while meeting your baby’s nutritional needs.
"Are pacifiers ok? Does thumb-sucking affect tooth development?"
These habits are common, and we can guide you on when and how to help your child transition away from them to support proper tooth and jaw development.
No question is too small or silly. Our team of pediatric dentists are trained to work with little ones and create a calming, kid-friendly experience. We even have a comfort dog in some of our offices.
If your child has their first tooth or just turned one, it’s important to book their first dental visit. Getting started early helps prevent problems before they start and gives your child the best possible start to a healthy smile.
Call us today and let’s schedule that first appointment!