When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit: Why It Matters
Guidance from Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
818-790-5959

When Should My Baby First See a Pediatric Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child’s first “well-baby” dental visit should take place within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday—whichever comes first.

While this may sound early, there’s good reason: tooth decay can begin as soon as teeth appear, and early dental care helps build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Why Is This Early Visit Important?

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is becoming more common. Without prompt care, decay can cause pain, infections, and long-term issues for your child’s oral health.

At Descanso Smiles, we specialize in both child development and oral health. That means we not only examine and clean your child’s teeth but also provide expert tips for healthy habits, such as stopping thumb sucking or pacifier use at the right time.

What Dental Problems Can Babies Have?

As soon as the first tooth appears, your baby is at risk for cavities, especially if they:

Drink from bottles or sippy cups filled with milk, juice, or sugary drinks
Go to bed with a bottle
Use pacifiers dipped in honey or sweet substances
Share spoons or pacifiers with others (which can spread cavity-causing bacteria)

We’ll help you establish a simple, effective home care routine and demonstrate how to brush and floss baby teeth. We’ll also check fluoride levels to ensure your child gets just the right amount—too much can cause fluorosis, and too little can lead to decay.

What Happens at the First Visit?

Our office is designed with fun, comfort, and kids in mind! During your baby's first visit, you can expect:

A warm welcome and a gentle knee-to-knee exam where your baby stays in your lap
A review of diet, oral care habits, and overall health
Tips on brushing, teething, pacifier use, and feeding
A gentle cleaning if needed, and often a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth

We love creating positive first dental experiences—and we’re here to answer all your questions.

What Will the Pediatric Dentist Ask?

We’ll talk about:

Your baby’s daily routine (diet, brushing, bottle use)
Any thumb sucking or pacifier habits
Fluoride exposure (water source, supplements, toothpaste)
Medical history and development

Based on your answers, we’ll offer tailored advice on:

Preventing accidents and decay
The best toothbrush and toothpaste for your baby
Making brushing time fun (yes, it’s possible!)
How and when to move away from bottles and sippy cups
Teething and growth milestones
Encouraging a drink-free bedtime routine

Questions about your child’s first visit? We’d love to help.
Schedule your appointment today with Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
818-790-5959

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