Tooth Fairy or Dentist? When’s the Right Time for Your Child’s First Visit?

 

When Should Your Child First See the Dentist?

This is definitely one of the most common questions I hear from parents. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion, with many parents receiving different advice. While it’s perfectly fine to bring your child to the dentist earlier if needed, the British Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by the age of 12 months or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. I once even heard from a parent who believed they didn’t need to take their child to the dentist until they turned 18!

The first visit provides a valuable opportunity to receive guidance on several important topics, such as preventing baby bottle tooth decay, promoting healthy infant feeding practices, learning the best ways to clean your baby’s mouth and teeth, managing teething, and addressing dummy and finger-sucking habits.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Visit

Every child is different, but it's always a great idea to book your child’s dentist appointment in the morning when they’re feeling bright-eyed and ready to go.

When it comes to preparing your preschooler or older child, it's key to explain what will happen during the visit and why looking after their teeth is so important. You can make it sound fun and exciting, so they feel like they’re heading off on a little adventure rather than something to worry about. The more you build up the experience as something positive, the more they’ll enjoy it!

Prepare Yourself as a Parent

It's totally normal to have different feelings about the dentist than your child might. If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about the visit, remember it’s important not to pass those worries on to your children. By keeping things relaxed and upbeat, you’ll help your child feel more at ease and ready for the visit.

Before heading to the appointment, it’s always a good idea to think of any questions or concerns you may want to address with the dentist. Don’t forget to share your child’s health history too, so the dentist knows if there are any special needs or behaviours to be mindful of.

What to Expect During the First Visit

The main goal of your child’s first dental appointment is to help them feel at ease in the dental environment. It usually lasts around 30 minutes and may include a gentle exam of their teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues to check for any issues.

If your child is old enough, the dentist may also give them a gentle cleaning, removing any plaque, tartar, or stains from their teeth. You’ll likely get some tips on how to clean your child’s teeth at home, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

X-rays are not commonly needed for very young children. However, if your child has any signs of tooth decay or if the dentist is concerned about how a baby tooth might affect the adult teeth underneath, they may recommend an X-ray.

Ongoing Visits: How Often Should Your Child See the Dentist?

After your child’s first visit, it’s important to continue with regular dental check-ups. The BDA recommends a check-up every six months, although some dentists may suggest more frequent visits, such as every three months, especially if your child is prone to dental issues. Regular visits help ensure that your child’s teeth are developing properly and provide an opportunity to address any problems before they become serious.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth at Home

You can start caring for your child’s teeth even before the first tooth erupts!

• Before teeth come in, gently clean your baby’s gums with either gauze or a clean, damp cloth.
• Once the first tooth appears, start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). After age three, you can use a pea-sized amount.
• It's best to finish feeding your child before bedtime or naps in order to get a chance to clean their teeth.
• Aim for your child to empty a bottle in five to six minutes or less to minimise the time their teeth are exposed to the sugar found in milk.
• Help your child brush their teeth properly until they’re around seven or eight years old, or at least supervise them until you know they're able to do it properly alone.
• Reduce the amount of sweets or fizzy drinks your child consumes. You can opt for fresh fruit instead of juice.