When should my child first see a dentist?

Children with cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to get cavities in their permanent teeth and they are more likely to suffer tooth loss later in life!

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should have his/her mouth evaluated by their first birthday or within 6 months of eruption of primary teeth.

You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit. Use kid friendly terminology to explain that the dentist will be looking, counting, and brushing their teeth. If your child is too young to understand you don’t have to explain anything.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill, or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.