A child’s first dental visit is a great way to start good oral health habits at a young age.
Many parents wonder when they should bring their child to the dentist for the first time, what to expect during the visit, and how early they should start brushing teeth at home. Here are our tips:
- Parents can plan to bring their child to a first appointment when their first tooth breaks through or erupts, or at least by their first birthday. That way as your child’s teeth are erupting, your dentist can evaluate them, and they can start having their first topical fluoride applied.
- During the visit, you can expect to hold your own child while your dentist gently performs their very first dental exam.
- To maintain healthy dental habits, your dentist will typically suggest that you brush your child’s teeth morning and evening with a very soft child size toothbrush, and to schedule your child’s next appointment six months after the first.
