Your little one just got their first tooth. Maybe it showed up after a few rough nights of drool and teething rings. Congratulations! Now comes a question a lot of parents don’t expect: is it time to see a dentist already?
The answer is yes, or at least very soon. And we promise, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding appointments you’ll ever make for your child.
When Should Your Baby First See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a first dental visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than your child’s first birthday. Many parents are surprised by how early that is. But there’s a good reason for it.
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cavities can start as soon as teeth appear, and early decay often isn’t visible to parents. An early visit lets us catch problems before they become painful or costly.
What Happens at the Age One Visit?
This visit is short, gentle, and mostly a conversation. Here’s what you can expect:
- A warm welcome. We get to know you and your baby, and we review health history, feeding habits, and any concerns.
- A knee-to-knee exam. Your baby sits in your lap, facing you, and leans back onto the dentist’s lap. You stay close the whole time.
- A look at the teeth, gums, and tongue. We check for early signs of decay, review how teeth are coming in, and look at the tissues under the tongue and lip.
- Fluoride, if recommended. A quick coat of fluoride varnish can help protect new teeth.
- Coaching for you. We show you how to brush your baby’s teeth, talk about teething, pacifiers, and thumb-sucking, and answer every question you bring.
Crying is completely normal at this age, and it doesn’t mean your child had a bad experience. In fact, a good cry gives us a clear view of those tiny teeth.
Topics We’ll Cover Together
- How much toothpaste to use (a smear the size of a grain of rice until age 3)
- Bottles, sippy cups, and nighttime feedings
- Juice, snacks, and how often your child grazes during the day
- Teething comfort that’s safe for babies
- Thumb-sucking and pacifier habits
- Your child’s developmental milestones
Why Early Visits Make Later Visits Easier
Think of the first visit as the start of a relationship. Children who visit the dentist early and often tend to see it as a normal, friendly part of life. Dr. Romero believes most dental disease is preventable, and early visits are how families get ahead of it.
That’s why our team works hard to make every visit fun and positive. We want your child to grow up actually looking forward to seeing us.
A Pediatric Dental Home Close to Home
Families across southern and eastern Wake County trust us with their kids’ smiles. Our Holly Springs office on Village Walk Drive is convenient for families in Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and Cary. Our Wendell office on Treelight Way serves families from Wendell Falls, Knightdale, Zebulon, and Archer Lodge.
All of our dentists are pediatric dental specialists, which means two to three extra years of training focused only on children after dental school. We treat kids from infancy through the teen years, including children with special health care needs.
Book Your Baby’s First Visit
Has your baby’s first tooth arrived, or is that first birthday coming up? Request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child is already older than one?
That’s okay. It’s never too late for a first visit. We’ll start wherever your child is and make it a positive experience.
Should I brush my baby’s teeth before the first visit?
Yes. Start as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Will my baby get X-rays?
Usually not at the first visit. If X-rays are needed later, we use digital X-rays, which use significantly less radiation than traditional film.
Can my baby’s pediatrician check their teeth instead?
1Pediatricians do a great job spotting problems, and many apply fluoride varnish. A pediatric dentist adds a detailed exam and hands-on guidance focused on the mouth.
How should I prepare my child?
Keep it simple and upbeat. Read a picture book about visiting the dentist, and avoid words like “hurt” or “shot.”
How often should my child come back?
Most children visit every six months. We may suggest a different schedule based on your child’s needs.
