A Child’s First Dental Visit:

A guide on what to expect and how to prepare your child for his or her first visit


According to the guidelines created by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, a child’s first visit should be around their first birthday or 6 months after their first tooth comes in. Most children have their teeth erupt between the ages of 6 months and 1 year of age. Even though the teeth that erupt at an early age will eventually fall out, it is extremely important to take care of these teeth and protect them from decay. If a tooth needs to be taken out due to infection or a large cavity, it can cause an array of problems in the child’s permanent teeth. Decay in children’s teeth can lead to cavities in permanent teeth, and a missing baby tooth can cause severe tooth crowding as the new permanent teeth erupt with inadequate space.


The first dental visit’s goal is to introduce the child to a dental environment. It is more of a meet and greet for the child and the dentist. If the child is able to sit in the dental chair by him or herself, that’s fantastic; however, most of the time, a parent will sit with the child, while the dentist describes what each tool is used for. Simple things like a dental mirror, air/water spray and suction are completely foreign to a child. So it is important that each of these things are shown to a child so they become comfortable with them and their new environment.


The next step is an exam. A dentist will “count” the child’s teeth to see how many teeth have erupted. The primary purpose for counting a child’s teeth is to check for any cavities. It is extremely important to catch decay in children’s teeth early. Children’s teeth are much smaller than adult teeth and the outer layer of a child’s tooth (enamel) is much thinner; thus more susceptible to decay.


The last step during a child’s visit is to clean their teeth. This can be done several different ways. In our office, we prefer to have the child sit in a parent’s lap facing the parent, and have the child lean back with their head in the parent’s lap. The dentist can then go around with a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste and really clean the child’s teeth. It also allows for an opportunity to teach the parent and child the proper brushing techniques. If this goes well, a dentist can eventually start using some of the dental instruments of the child and get him or her acclimated to the dental environment. Lastly, if the child is older than 2, a dentist will apply a fluoride gel to the child’s teeth. The gel is applied on the child’s teeth with a small brush and is very well tolerated. The fluoride helps prevent cavities from forming by strengthening the thinner outside layer of the enamel.


In most cases, young children do not need x-rays. They are not needed due to the fact that most children naturally have spaces between their teeth. The spaces allow the dentist to view the entire tooth. In adults, the spaces between teeth are extremely tight; the only way to check for decay between someone’s teeth is through x-rays.


Now that a child’s first visit has been described, let’s review the do’s and don’ts of preparing the child for his or her first visit. The most important thing to remember is that a child has never been to a dentist before, so they have no idea what to expect. Parents are usually surprised that children have fun at their first visit. The dental chair goes up and down, just like a roller coaster. The instruments spray water, just like water guns. The toothbrush makes fun noises and tickles their teeth. Parents- it is essential that you keep your own feelings about a dentist in check (if they are negative). Avoid words like shots and drills because they won’t even come up during the first visit; and hopefully, for several visits. Also, please do not threaten your children with visits to the dentist, it only makes the visits harder on the child and dentist. The most important thing is to remember is that the child has never been to a dentist before. So, if the first visit creates a positive, upbeat, painless atmosphere, it makes a trip to the dentist much easier for everyone in the future.


Here are some other suggestions that make the first trip more enjoyable. There are lots of children’s books available that discuss brushing your teeth, taking care of your mouth and going to the dentist. Reading any of these books introduces the dental world to children and makes it real to them.


Another suggestion would be to work on brushing the child’s teeth at home. Getting the child used to something in their mouth is extremely important. The earlier that you can do this, the easier it is for the parent and dentist to brush the child’s teeth.


Lastly, telling the child what to expect is a big help. Describing the dental chair, the mouth mirror and that the dentist cleans their teeth helps tremendously in preparing the child. The more a child knows about the dentist, the easier it will be.


I hope this helps and can alleviate some of the stresses involved in a child’s first dental visit. Please email me at drjonathan@forddentalgroup.com or call us if you have any questions.


Ford Dental Group
16511 Goldenwest St. Suite 107
Huntington Beach, Ca 92647
714-842-7431
www.FordDentalGroup.com