When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

Many parents are surprised to learn how early the first dental visit should happen. Starting early helps protect baby teeth and makes the dentist a familiar, friendly place for your child.

Why So Early?

Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help your child chew and learn to speak. Cavities can start as soon as the first tooth appears, especially when a child falls asleep with a bottle or sips sugary drinks often. An early visit lets the dentist spot problems while they’re small and gives you a plan for caring for your child’s teeth at home.

What Happens at the First Visit

The first visit is short and gentle. Young children often sit on a parent’s lap. Your dentist will:

• Look at your child’s teeth, gums, jaw and bite
• Gently clean the teeth if your child is ready
• Check whether fluoride is recommended
• Talk with you about brushing, bottles, pacifiers, thumb-sucking and snacks
• Suggest when to come back for the next checkup

How to Prepare Your Child

• Book a morning visit, when most young children are rested
• Talk about the dentist in a positive, simple way and avoid scary words
• Read a picture book or play pretend “dentist” at home
• Bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort
• Have your child’s health history ready to share

Caring for Baby Teeth at Home

Before teeth come in, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once teeth appear, brush twice a day with a soft child-sized toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. From age three, use a pea-sized amount. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, and keep sugary drinks to a minimum.

As your child grows, sealants and fluoride treatments can add extra protection against cavities. Learn more about care for every age on our Family Dentistry page.

Insurance and All Kids

Astra Dental accepts Illinois All Kids (Medicaid) for children and young adults under 21, as well as most PPO and many HMO dental plans. Preventive visits for children are often covered. See our Medicaid / All Kids page for details.