The question I am asked most often by new parents is a simple one: when should my child first see a dentist? The answer surprises most people — much earlier than they expect.
First tooth, first birthday
The guidance we follow is “first tooth, first birthday”: your child should have their first dental visit by around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming through. That feels early, and it is meant to. These first visits are not about treatment — they are about prevention, habits, and making the dentist a familiar, friendly place before any problem exists.
What actually happens at a first visit
A first visit is short and gentle. We count the teeth, check that everything is developing as it should, and have a proper chat with you about the things that matter at this age: brushing, bottles and dummies, and diet. If your child is happy, they might have a ride in the chair and a “tooth count”. If they are not, that is completely fine — we go at their pace, every time.
For under-4s and anxious first-timers we offer a complimentary happy visit — no treatment at all, just a friendly introduction so the clinic becomes a safe, known place. It is the single best thing you can do to prevent dental fear later in childhood.
How to prepare your child
- Keep it light. Talk about the visit the way you would talk about the playground, not the doctor.
- Avoid loaded words. Words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill” put ideas in a child’s head. We never use them, and it helps if you don’t either.
- Go early in the day. A well-rested, unhurried child has a far better first experience.
- Bring a comfort toy. Familiar things help, and every branch has a play corner while you wait.
Building good habits at home
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Help your child brush until they are around seven — before then, their coordination simply isn’t up to doing it well alone. Keep sugary drinks to mealtimes, and never send a child to bed with a bottle of anything but water.
The point of starting early
Children who visit the dentist from toddlerhood grow up without fear, with fewer cavities, and with habits that protect their teeth for life. That is the whole aim — not to fix problems, but to make sure your child never has many to fix.
If your little one is due their first visit, our branches all have a kids’ zone and a gentle, unhurried approach. You are welcome to stay in the room the whole time.
