Prepping for your child's first dental visit

What to expect at the first visit

The dentist will start by examining your little one's teeth, jaws and oral tissues to assess their overall growth and development. They will be looking for any cavities, gum issues or mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist may clean your child's teeth with a soft toothbrush and recommend a fluoride treatment. This will ultimately depend on your child's age and risk for tooth decay.

A helpful aspect of the first visit will be when they explain and demonstrate different brushing and flossing techniques to help care for your baby's teeth. Your dentist can also provide recommendations on the use of fluoride as well as feeding and snacking practices to keep your child's smile healthy. This is also a great time for caregivers to ask questions and get useful tips on teething, diet and other oral hygiene instructions, as well as information on preventing cavities, accidents and tooth trauma.

At your first visit, be sure to share relevant information about your child with your dentist. This may include medical conditions, medications and any other oral problems they’ve experienced.

Tips for taking care of baby teeth

Try not to wash their pacifier or binky with your own mouth — use clean water instead.
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth.
Use a tiny rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the time the first tooth comes in until age 3.
From the ages of 3 to 6, use a small pea-sized amount.
Once they have two or more teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing.
Try a teething ring, cool spoon, pacifier or cold washcloth to ease the pain in their gums.
Get your child to stop using a pacifier or sucking their thumb before age 3 to keep baby teeth in the proper position.

Prepping for your child's first dental visit

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