Your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone—and the perfect time to schedule their first dental visit! Early dental care is key to preventing future issues and building a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that new experiences can feel overwhelming for kids, so we’re here to make their first visit joyful, comfortable, and positive. From fun tips to ease nerves to a warm, welcoming environment, we’re ready to guide your little one every step of the way toward healthy, happy smiles.
Why is the First Dental Visit So Important?
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a critical role in your child’s growth and development:
Support Nutrition: Healthy baby teeth help your child chew properly, fostering good nutrition and overall health.
Encourage Speech Development: Baby teeth are essential for forming sounds and developing language skills.
Protect Permanent Teeth: They act as placeholders, ensuring proper alignment and healthy development of adult teeth.
However, baby teeth are more susceptible to decay, starting as soon as they appear—usually between 6 to 12 months. Tooth decay can cause discomfort, eating difficulties, and even infections if left untreated. Studies show that children who delay their first dental visit until age two or three are more likely to need emergency or restorative care. An early visit helps prevent these issues while giving you the tools to care for your child’s smile at home.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
A common question parents ask is, "When should my child see a dentist for the first time?" Most children begin developing their baby teeth (milk teeth) around six months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child’s first dental visit should occur as soon as their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Many parents also want to know, how long does it take for a baby tooth to fully emerge once it breaks through? Our handy resource provides parents with essential insights to watch for.
The follow-up question is usually - Isn't that a little early?
Many parents wonder if this is too early, but it’s actually the perfect time. Early visits set the foundation for lifelong oral health by allowing the pediatric dentist to monitor your child’s growth, check the health of their teeth and gums, and provide personalized guidance to support their development. Starting dental care early helps prevent issues and establishes positive dental habits from the very beginning.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit
At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Dina and her team strive to make your child’s first visit a positive and empowering experience. Here’s what you can expect during this milestone appointment:
Comprehensive Oral Examination: Dr. Dina will gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, and oral cavity to assess their growth and overall dental health.
Oral Hygiene Guidance: Parents will receive personalized tips on brushing, flossing, teething, pacifier use, and infant feeding practices to support oral health at home.
Preventive Care: If necessary, Dr. Dina may perform a gentle cleaning or apply fluoride to protect against cavities.
Education on Dental Conditions: You’ll learn about common childhood dental issues, such as baby bottle tooth decay, and how to prevent and address them.
This first visit is not only about your child’s teeth but also about equipping you with the tools and knowledge to actively support their oral and overall health.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
We want your child to feel comfortable and excited about visiting the dentist, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend establishing a dental home by age one.
How to Prepare Your Family
Use Positive Language: Speak calmly and enthusiastically about the visit. Use fun, reassuring words like “count,” “clean,” “tickle,” or “superheroes.” Avoid anxiety-inducing terms like “shots,” “needles,” or “pull teeth.”
Let Us Explain Procedures: If your child needs treatment, trust Dr. Dina and her team to explain it in kid-friendly terms—we’re fluent in “kid”!
Bring Comfort Items: Encourage your child to bring a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal for extra reassurance.
Avoid Negative Stories: Don’t let others tease or share negative dental experiences, as this could create unnecessary fear.
Talk to your little one about the dental visit
It is always recommended that you let your child know about the dental visit. However, please don't do it too soon! Kids have wild imagination power, and sometimes, it can be backfire. It is better to not tell your child about the dental visit too far in advance as it can be a potential cause of anxiety for them. A good rule is to talk to your child and let them know about the visit on the morning of the scheduled appointment.
Schedule the first visit wisely
If possible, schedule your child's first dental visit in the morning. It is seen that morning appointments work best for children. Children are usually more relaxed, calm, and receptive to new experiences in the morning. It can help them adjust to the environment of a dental clinic better.
Watch videos about dental visits with your kid.
Here are a few great videos to watch with your child to help prepare them for their dental visit:
Daniel Tiger Visits the Dentist: In this episode, Daniel Tiger visits Dr. Plat for his first dental cleaning. He learns that a visit to the dentist can be fun and comforting.
Peppa Pig Visits the Dentist: Peppa and George visit the dentist, and George brings his favorite dinosaur for support. A perfect example of bringing a comfort item to the appointment!
Elmo Visits the Dentist: Elmo shows kids what happens during a dental visit, from meeting the dentist to getting their teeth cleaned. It’s fun, engaging, and helps remove fear of the unknown.
Dora the Explorer at the Dentist: Dora helps kids understand what happens during a dental visit, with her signature adventure style to make it fun and interactive.
These videos can help your child feel more comfortable, build excitement, and give them a positive impression of what to expect during their first dental visit. Watch together and talk about what they might experience, just like their favorite characters!
Let them bring a friend.
If your child has a favorite toy or a stuffed animal they love, bring them along. They are your child's best friend and will help them find comfort and familiarity in a new space. You can also find some cuddly bears to keep for your little one company in the play section of the clinic.
Compliment your child
If your child is scared and anxious or doesn't comply with the dentist, it is okay. At UPD, we have seen it all and are prepared. Tell your child how brave they have been and how proud you are of them. This positive outlook can calm an anxious child and makes them more comfortable for future dental visits.
Lastly, call us at 301-882-3105 and schedule an appointment at Urbana Pediatric Dentistry and allow us to take care of your little one's pearly whites. Be it a kids teeth cleaning or cavity filling; we will be there for your child's every oral healthcare need!
If you have any additional questions about your child's oral hygiene, please feel free to contact us at Urbana Pediatric Dentistry. To learn more about Urbana Pediatric Dentistry visit our About Us page. For more tips and information feel free to Contact Us and follow us on social media on Instagram @urbanapediatricdentistry and Facebook @urbanapediatricdentistry.
Comments