Short answer: The general recommendation for the first dental visit is to have an examination after the first tooth comes in and usually by the first birthday. This visit is not for treatment but for getting acquainted, an oral examination and informing the parents. A first appointment made before any pain begins helps the child build a positive relationship with the dentist.
Why so early?
Baby teeth are open to decay from the moment they start to come in. Night feeding, bottles and sugary drinks in particular can increase the risk of early childhood caries. At an early examination, parents are given guidance on topics such as brushing, nutrition and pacifier and thumb-sucking habits. For details, you can see our article on baby bottle tooth decay.
What happens at the first appointment?
- The dentist looks at the baby’s or child’s mouth, gums, tongue-tie and the teeth that have come in.
- The child is most often examined on the parent’s lap.
- If it is considered necessary, cleaning, fluoride or preventive recommendations are discussed.
- Nutrition, tooth brushing and the teething process are discussed with the parent.
- A suitable interval for the next check-up is set.
No treatment is planned at the first visit; the aim is for the child to get to know the setting. Our article on the eruption of the first teeth can be a helpful guide to the order and timing of tooth eruption.
How should you prepare the child for the visit?
- Speak positively and simply: Simple sentences such as “We will use a little mirror to count your teeth” are enough.
- Avoid frightening words: Choose neutral language instead of promises such as “Don’t be afraid” or “you won’t feel anything,” and instead of phrases with negative associations.
- Introduce it through play: Playing “dental check-up” with a doll at home gives the child a familiar scenario.
- Choose a suitable time: It goes more smoothly when the child is rested and has eaten.
- Stay calm: Children quickly pick up on their parents’ anxiety; try not to pass your own anxiety on to the child.
After the first visit
The interval until the next check-up is set by the dentist according to the child’s caries risk and oral health. In general, a check-up every six months is often recommended, but it may not be the same for every child. For an age-by-age care and check-up schedule, you can read our article on children’s dental health. For children whose teeth come in late, our article on what to do if teeth come in late may be useful.
When is an orthodontic evaluation due?
Separately from the general dental check-up, an orthodontic evaluation of the jaws and tooth alignment is mostly recommended at around age seven. There may also be situations that call for an earlier visit; for details, you can see our page on orthodontics for children.
What should you bring to the visit?
- The child’s health information, any medicines they take and any allergies
- Brief notes on feeding, breastfeeding and bottle routines
- Anything you have noticed in the mouth, such as discoloration or swollen gums
- A favorite toy or book to help the child relax
Common mistakes
- Making the first visit only when pain or a complaint begins; in that case the child’s first experience may be negative.
- Using the dentist as a “punishment” or a “threat.”
- Making light of the child’s fear or mocking it.
- Taking the child to an appointment suddenly, without preparation.
What to do at home after the visit
Praising the child’s courage after the appointment reinforces the first experience. Following the brushing routine the dentist recommends at home, brushing the teeth twice and limiting sugary snacks between meals all support oral health. If you notice discoloration of the teeth, white spots or swelling of the gums, you can make an appointment without waiting for the next check-up.
For school-age children
Having missed the first visit does not mean it is too late. School-age children can also be taken to the dentist for an oral examination, cleaning and preventive treatments. Talking with children of this age before the visit, letting them ask what they are curious about and encouraging them to describe the procedure in their own words increases cooperation. Routine check-ups made without any pain keep the child from seeing the dentist as a place to go only when there is a problem. For the family, making check-ups a routine is also a simple way of showing the child how much you value their oral health; brushing together strengthens that routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is an examination needed if the baby has no teeth at all?
Teeth usually start to come in at around the sixth month. If no teeth have come in as the baby approaches one year, it is wise to consult the dentist.
What happens if the child cries or will not open their mouth?
This is very common. The dentist usually proceeds patiently and through play; even if a full examination cannot be done at the first visit, when the introduction goes well, later appointments become easier.
Baby teeth will fall out, so why do they matter so much?
Baby teeth serve for chewing, speaking and holding space for the permanent teeth. Decay and infection can cause pain and may harm the permanent teeth.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for your child is determined through an examination and the dentist’s evaluation. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together. For appointments and directions, you can see our contact page.
