When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?

Most parents assume a first dental visit can wait until all the baby teeth are in, or until a problem shows up. The general recommendation from dental associations is actually much earlier — by a child's first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

The reason isn't that infant teeth need complex treatment. It's about starting a habit early: getting a child comfortable in a dental chair before there's ever a reason to be nervous about one. A first visit at this age is short and simple — a quick look at how teeth and jaw are developing, and a chance for parents to ask questions about brushing, teething, or feeding habits that affect dental health.

Waiting until a problem appears means a child's first experience of a dentist is tied to a toothache — exactly the association most parents want to avoid. An early, low-pressure visit does the opposite: it makes the dentist a familiar, unremarkable part of life.

If your child hasn't had a first visit yet and is already past this age, there's no need to worry — it's never too late to start, and a gentle, patient approach works at any age.