Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. That is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA). The first visit is short and gentle. It is mostly a quick look at your child's teeth and a chance for you to learn how to keep them healthy.
Why Start So Early?
Age 1 may sound young, but tooth decay can start as soon as the first tooth appears. Early childhood cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions in children, according to the CDC, and they are almost entirely preventable.
An early visit lets the dentist spot problems before they start, and it gives you simple, practical guidance for your child's age. It also helps your child get used to the dental office while there is nothing to fix. Kids who start early often feel more relaxed at later visits.
What Happens at the First Visit
A first visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. For babies and toddlers, many dentists use a "knee-to-knee" position: your child sits on your lap facing you and lies back into the dentist's lap, so you stay close the whole time.
- Health history. You share any health concerns, medicines and habits such as bottle use, pacifiers or thumb sucking.
- A gentle look. The dentist checks your child's teeth, gums, jaw and bite, and looks for early signs of decay.
- A light cleaning. If needed, the teeth are gently cleaned.
- Fluoride. The dentist may paint a thin coat of fluoride varnish on the teeth to help prevent cavities. It takes about a minute.
- Tips for you. You learn how to brush your child's teeth, how much toothpaste to use, and what to expect as more teeth come in.
Our team keeps first visits relaxed and lets you ask as many questions as you like. X-rays are usually not needed at a first visit. If they are needed later, low-radiation digital X-rays keep exposure very low.
Schedule Your Child's First Visit Fulton Family Dental sees the whole family, including little ones. Book a gentle first checkup at our Sacramento office and get answers to all your questions.
How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself)
- Schedule the visit for a time when your child is usually rested and happy, often the morning. Avoid nap time.
- Talk about the visit in simple, positive words: "The dentist will count your teeth." Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot."
- Read a picture book about visiting the dentist, or play pretend with a stuffed animal.
- Bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort.
- Write down any questions you have, such as about teething, thumb sucking or toothpaste.
- Stay calm. Babies and toddlers pick up on your mood. Crying is normal at this age and does not mean the visit went badly.
For more ideas, see our guide on helping kids overcome a fear of the dentist.
Baby Teeth Matter
It is easy to think baby teeth are not important because they will fall out. In fact, they do important jobs for years. Some baby molars stay in place until about age 10 to 12.
- They help your child chew and get good nutrition.
- They help your child learn to speak clearly.
- They hold space for adult teeth. A baby tooth lost early to decay can let nearby teeth drift, which can crowd adult teeth.
- Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, and can affect the adult teeth developing underneath.
Fluoride and Brushing by Age
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. The ADA and AAPD recommend using fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears, in a very small amount:
| Age | Toothpaste amount | Who brushes |
|---|---|---|
| Before teeth | No toothpaste. Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth. | Parent |
| First tooth to age 3 | A smear the size of a grain of rice | Parent, twice a day |
| Ages 3 to 6 | A pea-sized amount | Parent helps and checks. Teach your child to spit, not swallow. |
| Age 6 and up | A pea-sized amount | Child, with a parent checking until about age 7 or 8 |
Many Sacramento-area water systems add fluoride to tap water, which also helps protect teeth. Check with your water provider, and ask your dentist whether your child needs any extra fluoride.
Bottle and Sippy Cup Habits
Milk, formula and juice all contain sugars. When a baby falls asleep with a bottle, those liquids pool around the teeth for hours. This can cause a pattern of decay often called baby bottle tooth decay, which usually starts on the upper front teeth.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice. If they need a bottle to fall asleep, use plain water.
- Start offering a cup around 6 months and aim to move off the bottle around 12 to 18 months.
- Do not let your child sip milk or juice from a sippy cup all day. Offer water between meals.
- Limit juice. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no juice before age 1 and only small amounts after that.
- Do not dip pacifiers in sugar, honey or syrup.
Lift your child's upper lip once a month and look at the front teeth near the gums. White or brown spots can be an early sign of decay, so let your dentist know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a baby first see the dentist?
The AAPD and ADA recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. After that, most children see the dentist every six months.
Do I need a pediatric dentist, or can a family dentist see my child?
Many family dentists see young children, including for first visits. A pediatric dentist has extra training in treating kids and may be a good choice for children with special health needs or complex treatment. Ask your dentist which fits your family.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for babies?
Yes, in the right amount. Use a smear the size of a grain of rice from the first tooth until age 3, then a pea-sized amount. Using that small amount keeps it safe even if your child swallows some.
What if my child cries during the visit?
Crying is very common for babies and toddlers and is not a sign that anything went wrong. The dental team is used to it, and the visit is quick. Over time, regular visits help kids feel more comfortable.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every mouth is different. For advice about your own teeth, please schedule a visit or call (916) 929-3737.