According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), infants should have their first dental visit around their first birthday. While the first visit may cause anxiety for parents—especially those with dental phobias—preparation and positive reinforcement can make the experience enjoyable for your child.

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How to Prepare Your Child

Pediatric dentists are trained in child psychology and create colorful, child-friendly offices equipped with games, toys, and educational tools. Parents can take several steps to make the first visit a positive experience:

  • Take another adult along: Extra support can help soothe a fussy infant and allow the parent to focus on questions and advice.
  • Leave other children at home: Reducing distractions helps make the visit less stressful.
  • Avoid threatening language: Do not mention “drills,” “needles,” or “injections.” Use positive language when discussing dental visits.
  • Provide positive explanations: Explain that the dentist “helps keep teeth healthy” rather than focusing on potential pain or procedures.
  • Explain what will happen: Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can help prepare your child, such as:
    • The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – Stan and Jan Berenstain
    • Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Dora the Explorer series
    • Going to the Dentist – Anne Civardi
    • Elmo Visits the Dentist – Sesame Street series

What to Expect During the First Visit

The goals of the first dental visit include introducing the child to the dentist, assessing tooth and jaw development, evaluating oral health, and advising parents on preventive care. A typical “well baby checkup” includes:

  1. Greeting by dental staff and review of the infant/family health history.
  2. Addressing parental questions and concerns.
  3. Discussion of oral habits, pacifier use, tooth alignment, development, and diet.
  4. Advice on oral care routines, injury prevention, fluoride intake, and sippy cup use.
  5. Examination of the infant’s teeth, often with the child’s head cradled in the dentist’s lap to allow eye contact with the parent.
  6. Demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques.
  7. Detailed description of oral health and tailored recommendations for oral habits, toothpaste, toothbrushes, orthodontically correct pacifiers, and diet.
  8. Information about teeth expected to erupt in the coming months.
  9. Scheduling follow-up appointments and outlining what will occur in future visits.

For any questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office for guidance.