Your baby’s first year is full of milestones, from rolling over and sitting up to their first smile—and their first tooth. And once your little one starts getting teeth, you will likely have a lot of questions. When should kids start going to the dentist? Should we be brushing their teeth? Can they eat solid foods? Are their teeth coming in as they should?

You can get answers to these and other questions during your child’s first dental visit. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist for the first time after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday.

Why Should Your Baby Visit a Dentist Early On?

Many parents ask us “if and when do babies go to the dentist” if they have only one tooth or none. It might seem early, but there are a number of good reasons to make an appointment for your baby to see a dentist in their first year:

• Prevent tooth decay. As soon as your child has a tooth, they can get cavities. Dental care helps keep baby teeth healthy, which is important to proper chewing and speaking. Healthy baby teeth also create a clear pathway for healthy permanent teeth.
• Identify potential issues. Starting exams as babies helps the dentist identify potential issues early on. Infants and toddlers cannot receive in-office treatments for cavities or other problems and require general anesthesia for dental procedures. Regular dental care as babies helps prevent or slow the progression of dental disease in young children, so they can avoid surgery.
• Build comfort. Going to the dentist can be a source of fear and anxiety for kids. Starting early in life helps establish more comfort with the appointments. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that families have a dental home, a practice they consistently visit, early on. Not only are children more comfortable with a dentist they know, but seeing the same dentist also continually improves the quality of care.
• Get answers to your questions. As a parent, you likely have questions about your child’s dental health. The first dental visit is the ideal time to get answers about pacifier use, thumb sucking, teething, diet, and anything else about which you have concerns.
• Apply fluoride varnish. If your child’s pediatrician has not yet applied fluoride varnish on your baby’s teeth, the dentist may recommend doing so. The clear varnish helps prevent or slow tooth decay and is typically applied beginning at 6 months and every two to four months afterward until age 5.
• Learn oral hygiene tips. Parents are encouraged to start brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first one erupts. During the first dental visit, the dentist will show you the proper technique for brushing baby teeth and gums and answer any of your questions.

What to Expect at Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

Your baby’s first dental visit will be similar to a typical visit for older kids (and adults). Parents usually hold their child while sitting in the dental chair, since it is totally normal and expected that little ones will wiggle around a bit. As part of the actual exam, Dr. Chris will:

• Count teeth and look for signs of tooth decay
• Examine their lips, tongue, and inside of their cheeks for any unusual spots or bumps
• Inspect their gums for anything unusual
• Check for lip and tongue-tie
• Evaluate their bite
• Check their jaw for proper development

Once the exam—which takes only a few moments—is completed, the dentist will clean your baby’s teeth, apply fluoride varnish if needed, and discuss questions or concerns with you.

How to Have a Successful Pediatric Dentist Visit

Although older children benefit from preparing to see the dentist with books, videos, or role-playing, those techniques aren’t effective with babies.

However, you can still make the experience a pleasant one for you and your child with these tips:

• Avoid scheduling appointments during naptime. Newtown Dentistry offers convenient scheduling options so you can make an appointment for a time when your child is alert and happy.
• Feed your little one (and clean their teeth afterward) before the appointment, so they aren’t hungry and cranky.
• Bring a favorite toy or blanket as a comfort item. Newtown’s pediatric dentistry team is skilled in working with kids and making them comfortable, but often the child’s familiar favorite blanket is the best option.
• Write down your questions beforehand, so you don’t forget to ask them.
• Fill out paperwork before you arrive to speed up the check-in process. You can find Newtown’s registration forms here.

If your kids should start going to the dentist soon, get to know Newtown Dentistry as your dental home. Take a tour of our fun, warm space where we offer welcoming and kid-friendly dental care. And request an appointment today.