The first visit should happen by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth — whichever comes first. That is earlier than most parents expect, and the reason is simple: the first visit is not for fixing anything. It is so that the first visit is not the one where something hurts.
What happens
Not much, and that is the point. The dentist looks, counts, checks how the teeth are coming in, and talks to you about brushing, bottles, and what to do about the pacifier. Many clinics do the exam with the child on your lap. Ten minutes.
Why it matters
Decay in baby teeth moves fast and hurts as much as decay in adult teeth. Baby teeth also hold the space for the adult teeth behind them; lose one early and the neighbours drift into the gap. And a child who has been to the dentist three times for nothing is not frightened when the fourth visit is for something.
Do not tell a child it will not hurt. They were not thinking about that until you said it. Tell them the dentist is going to count their teeth.
Choosing the clinic
A children’s dentist is trained for this and the office is built for it. A family practice that sees a lot of children is nearly as good. What matters is that they are used to small patients — ask when you book.
The morning of
Book early in the day, before naps. Feed them first. Bring the thing they hold when they are unsure. Leave your own dental anxiety in the car; they read it off you in seconds.
