Pediatric dental groups recommend a first dental visit by a child’s first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth appears. Early visits are short, gentle, and mostly about prevention and getting comfortable.
What happens
- A quick look at teeth, gums and jaw – often with your child on your lap.
- Advice on brushing, fluoride, bottles, pacifiers and thumb-sucking.
- Sometimes a light cleaning and fluoride varnish.
How to prepare
- Book a morning slot when kids are usually rested.
- Use simple, positive words – avoid “shot”, “hurt” or “drill”.
- Read a picture book about visiting the dentist.
- Bring a favorite toy and a list of your questions.
Habits at home
- Wipe gums with a soft cloth before teeth come in.
- Use a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste under age 3, a pea-sized amount from 3 to 6.
- Avoid putting babies to bed with juice or milk bottles.
- Help kids brush until they can tie their own shoes – roughly age 7 or 8.
Looking for a children’s specialist? See pediatric dentists in the LA area.