When Should Kids Have Their First Dentist Visit?
As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life—including a healthy smile! One of the most common questions parents ask us at Northbridge Dentists, is: "When should my child have their first dentist visit?" The answer might surprise you.
The Ideal Age for the First Dental Visit
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD) recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. This early visit helps set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health (Australian Dental Association, 2023).
Why So Early?
Many parents assume that baby teeth don’t require much care since they eventually fall out, but primary teeth play a crucial role in your child’s development. They help with:
Chewing and nutrition
Speech development
Holding space for permanent teeth
Early visits allow the dentist to detect potential issues such as cavities, misalignment, or enamel defects before they become serious problems. A study published in the Australian Dental Journal (2019) highlights that early dental visits significantly reduce the risk of early childhood caries, a prevalent issue in Australian children.
What to Expect at the First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit is usually brief and designed to help them feel comfortable. During this appointment, the dentist will:
Examine the baby's teeth and gums
Check for early signs of tooth decay
Discuss teething, dummies, thumb-sucking, and proper oral hygiene
Provide tips on brushing and diet to maintain healthy teeth
How to Prepare Your Child
To make the first dental visit a success:
Start early: Talk about the dentist in a positive way.
Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist.
Schedule the visit at a time when your child is well-rested and not hungry.
Stay calm and reassuring to help ease any anxiety.
Building Healthy Habits
Good oral hygiene should start even before the first tooth appears. Parents should:
Wipe the baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth.
Start brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth erupts.
Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
We have a comprehensive, 20 page booklet for all parents, when they complete their dental check-up with us at Northbridge Dentists.
Conclusion
Taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday is a good idea, but can be difficult from a compliance point of view. Whilst they may be more compliant from around the age of 3, this risks missing things which can be corrected and learned early on.
If your child hasn’t had their first dental appointment yet, now is the perfect time to schedule one. A great first experience will pave the way for stress-free visits in the future!
References
Australian Dental Association. (2023). Your Child’s First Dental Visit. Retrieved from www.ada.org.au
Australian Dental Journal. (2019). Early Childhood Caries in Australia: Prevention and Intervention. 64(2), 145-158.
