Everything parents need to know about their child's first dental appointment, from finding the right pediatric dentist to preparing your toddler and understanding what happens during the exam.
Last updated:
0 of 21 completed0%
Copied!
Timing and Scheduling
Schedule the first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age 1, even if only a few teeth have come in.
Book a morning appointment when your child is usually well-rested
Toddlers tend to be more cooperative before noon. Avoid scheduling near nap time or right after a missed meal, as hunger and fatigue make everything harder.
Call ahead to ask about the office's approach with first-time toddler patients
Some offices offer a pre-visit tour so your child can see the chair and tools beforehand. Ask if they allow parents to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the exam.
Finding a Pediatric Dentist
Search for a board-certified pediatric dentist within 20 minutes of your home
Pediatric dentists complete 2-3 extra years of training beyond dental school focused on children. A shorter drive reduces stress for both you and the child on appointment day.
Verify insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs for the first visit
A first pediatric dental visit typically costs $75-200 without insurance. Many plans cover preventive visits at 100%, but confirm the office is in-network before booking.
Check online reviews from other parents with toddler-age children
Look for comments about wait times, staff patience, and how the dentist handles crying or fearful children. At least 15-20 reviews gives you a more reliable picture.
Confirm the office has child-sized equipment and a kid-friendly waiting area
A dedicated pediatric office will have smaller X-ray sensors, child-sized chairs, and distractions like ceiling-mounted TVs. These details make a real difference for a nervous toddler.
Preparing Your Child
Read 2-3 picture books about visiting the dentist in the week before
Stories help children form expectations about new experiences. Read them casually at bedtime rather than right before the visit so it feels routine, not like a warning.
Practice opening wide and counting teeth at home with a small mirror
Turn it into a game for 2-3 minutes a day. Let your child count your teeth first, then switch roles. This builds familiarity with someone looking inside their mouth.
Avoid using words like pain, hurt, shot, or scary when discussing the visit
Children pick up on anxiety cues from parents. Use positive, simple language like 'the dentist will count your teeth and make them sparkle.' Keep your own tone relaxed and matter-of-fact.
Pack a comfort item like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket
A familiar object gives your child something to hold during the exam. Most pediatric dentists welcome comfort items and will even pretend to examine the stuffed animal first.
What the Dentist Checks
Tooth development and eruption pattern review
By age 1, most children have 4-8 teeth. The dentist checks that teeth are emerging in the expected order and looks for any structural issues like enamel defects that affect about 1 in 6 children.
Gum health and soft tissue examination
The dentist inspects gums, tongue, and inner cheeks for signs of infection, thrush, or injury. This takes about 2-3 minutes and is done gently with gloved fingers and a small mirror.
Bite alignment and jaw development assessment
Early bite problems are easier to monitor and address. The dentist checks for crossbite, overbite, or underbite, which affect about 20% of children and may need attention later.
Cavity risk evaluation based on diet and oral habits
The dentist asks about bottle use, juice intake, and nighttime feeding. Falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice is the top cause of early childhood cavities, affecting roughly 23% of children under 5.
Post-Visit Care
Start brushing twice daily with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled brush designed for ages 0-2. The fluoride amount is safe to swallow at this size. Brush for a full 2 minutes, focusing on the gum line where bacteria collect.
Limit juice to 4 ounces per day and avoid sippy cups with milk at bedtime
Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids causes rapid decay in baby teeth. Switch to water in sippy cups between meals. If your child needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water only.
Begin flossing once any two teeth touch each other
Use child-sized floss picks, which are easier to maneuver than regular floss. Focus on the molars as they come in, since the tight contact between them traps food that brushing misses.
Follow-Up Schedule
Schedule the next appointment in 6 months before leaving the office
Booking before you leave ensures you get a preferred time slot. Most pediatric dental offices send reminders 2-4 weeks before the appointment via text or email.
Ask about fluoride varnish application at future visits
Fluoride varnish is typically applied every 6 months starting at age 1 and reduces cavity risk by 33-46%. It takes 30 seconds to apply and is covered by most insurance plans.
Discuss dental sealant timing for when molars arrive around age 6
Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and prevent about 80% of cavities in molars. They last 2-4 years and are painless to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a child go to the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Most babies get their first tooth between 6-10 months. Early visits establish a baseline, catch issues like tongue ties or enamel defects, and — just as important — get your child comfortable with the dental office before any treatment is needed.
How much does a child's first dental visit cost?
A first visit with exam and cleaning typically costs $75-$200 without insurance. Most dental insurance plans and Medicaid (CHIP) cover two preventive visits per year at 100% for children. Pediatric dentists often charge 10-20% more than general dentists but specialize in child-friendly techniques and office environments. If cost is a barrier, look for community health centers that offer sliding-scale pediatric dental care.
How do you prepare a toddler for their first dental visit?
Read 2-3 children's books about visiting the dentist in the week before the appointment (titles like "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" work well). Play pretend dentist at home — count each other's teeth with a small mirror. Use simple, positive language ("the dentist will count your teeth and make them sparkle") and avoid words like "pain," "shot," or "drill" even in reassurance. Schedule the appointment for the morning when your child is rested and fed.
At what age should a child start brushing their own teeth?
Children can start holding a toothbrush and practicing around age 2-3, but parents should do the actual brushing until age 6-7. Most kids lack the fine motor coordination for effective brushing before then. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3-6. Brush twice daily for 2 minutes — an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer makes this easier.
Should children get dental sealants and fluoride treatments?
The CDC reports that dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in molars for the first 2 years and continue protecting against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years. Sealants are typically applied to permanent molars as they come in (around ages 6 and 12) and cost $30-$60 per tooth. Professional fluoride treatments every 6 months reduce cavity risk by 30% and are covered by most insurance for children through age 18.