When Should My Kid Start Seeing a Dentist? Here’s What I Tell Parents

As both a dentist and a dad, I get this question constantly: “When’s the right time to bring my kid in for their first dental visit?”

Here’s the good news: it’s way simpler (and less scary) than most parents think. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child’s first visit when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. Whichever comes first.

That’s not just a random rule. It’s because those early teeth do a lot more than just make your kid’s smile adorable.

Why Baby Teeth Deserve More Credit

Baby teeth have a big job. They help children chew, speak, smile, and they hold space for adult teeth. 

If cavities sneak in early, it’s not just about losing a tooth. It can mean pain, infections, trouble eating, or even problems with the permanent teeth waiting underneath.

An early visit (around age one) lets us:

• Catch problems before they become problems

• Talk about teething, feeding, and brushing

• Make the dentist feel normal instead of scary

Bonus: Preventive visits early on almost always save you time, stress, and money later on.

Why “First Tooth or First Birthday” is the Right Time

Teeth usually start popping up around six months. 

The enamel on baby teeth isn’t as tough as adult enamel, which makes them more prone to decay - especially with frequent snacking, sugary drinks, or falling asleep with a bottle.

The ADA backs this up too: first tooth or first birthday is the sweet spot. 

We call it setting up a “dental home.” A comfy place your child can get used to, so every visit feels routine (and not like an emergency).

How to Make the First Visit Easy (for You and Them)

Pick the right dentist

Choose someone who sees kids regularly. Pediatric dentists or family dentists are usually good at making it feel like a game. We often do “lap exams” where your child sits with you while we do a quick check.

Time it right

Morning, after a nap, or whenever they’re happiest. Avoid the dreaded pre-nap/pre-dinner cranky hour.

Keep it positive

Skip the “don’t worry, it won’t hurt” talk. Kids latch onto “hurt.” Instead, tell them the dentist is a friend who counts teeth and keeps them shiny. Bring their favorite stuffed animal if it helps.

Practice at home

Play dentist! Open your mouth, count each other’s teeth with a toothbrush, or read books about visiting the dentist. It goes a long way.

What to Expect as They Grow

Here’s the quick breakdown pediatric dentists use (and what we’ll walk through at each stage):

• Ages 1–2: After the first visit, return every six months. We’ll monitor teething, discuss fluoride, and review brushing. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft brush.
  

• Ages 3–5: Kids now have a mouthful of teeth and a sweet tooth. We’ll check for cavities, teach proper brushing and flossing, and talk about nutrition. At age four, children can begin spitting out toothpaste and use a pea‑sized amount.
  

• Ages 6–8: Permanent teeth begin to erupt. We may recommend dental sealants, address thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, and evaluate bite alignment.
  

• Ages 9–12: Pre‑teens face sports injuries, braces and independence. We’ll talk mouthguards, orthodontic evaluations and brushing skills when children brush on their own.

FAQs I Hear All the Time

Is a dentist by age one really necessary? Yes. Decay can start right after teeth erupt, and you might not see it until it’s a bigger issue. Early checks catch things before they snowball.

How often should they go after that?  Every six months, same as adults. Unless we recommend otherwise.

Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out?  Absolutely. They guide permanent teeth into place and affect speech and chewing. Problems with baby teeth can lead to problems with adult teeth later on.

When should I start brushing? As soon as the first tooth shows up. Soft brush, tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day.

Thumb sucking and pacifiers: bad or okay? Most kids quit naturally by age three. If it continues past four, let us know. We’ll help prevent bite issues.

Final Thoughts

The first dental visit isn’t about fillings or lectures. It’s about making your child comfortable, giving you clear guidance, and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Bringing your child in by age one starts that partnership early - and trust me, it makes every visit after that so much easier.

Got questions? That’s what we’re here for.