When should your child first see a dentist?
A child's first dental visit should be when the first baby tooth appears, or by their first birthday at the latest. Early, relaxed visits help prevent decay and let children build a relationship of trust with the dentist.
Why so early?
Baby teeth can decay as soon as they come through. "Bottle decay" can progress quickly, especially in babies who drink milk or juice from a bottle at night. At the first visit the teeth are checked and parents get advice on brushing, diet and dummy use.
This visit is usually short and involves no treatment; the aim is for the child to get to know the surroundings and for any risks to be spotted early.
Preventive treatments
| Treatment | What it does | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoride varnish | Strengthens enamel and increases resistance to decay | 2–4 times a year depending on risk |
| Fissure sealants | Seal the deep grooves on the biting surfaces of molars | Usually around ages 6 and 12, when permanent molars erupt |
| Regular check-ups | Catch decay while it's small | Usually every 6 months |
Baby teeth fall out anyway. Do they need treating?
Yes. Baby teeth aren't only for chewing and speaking; they also hold space for the permanent teeth. Losing them early can cause crowding. Untreated decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, abscesses and damage to the permanent tooth underneath.
How to prevent fear of the dentist
- Make the first visit a check-up, before there's any pain.
- Use calm, positive language rather than phrases like "it won't hurt" or "no needles" that suggest fear.
- Never use the dentist as a threat or punishment.
- Try not to pass on your own anxiety.
- Book a time when your child is rested and has eaten.
Our clinic has a treatment room designed specifically for children. At the first visits we take our time, introduce the surroundings and show the instruments as we explain.
Home care by age
| Age | Advice |
|---|---|
| First tooth – 3 years | Parent brushes twice a day with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste |
| 3 – 6 years | A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste; brushing supervised by a parent |
| 6 years and over | Child brushes, parent checks in the evening; start the flossing habit |
Cutting down how often sugary snacks are eaten is more effective than cutting the amount. See our children’s dentistry section; if crowding appears as they grow, our clear aligners vs braces comparison can help.
Frequently asked questions
When should a child have an orthodontic check?
A first orthodontic assessment is usually recommended around age 7, when some jaw growth problems can be spotted and guided early.
My child won't brush. What can I do?
Making it a game, using a two-minute song or timer, and brushing alongside them helps build the habit.
Can baby teeth have root canal treatment?
Yes. Nerve treatment in baby teeth (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) can keep the tooth until the permanent one arrives.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Used in age-appropriate amounts, it's safe and effective at preventing decay. Small children use only a small amount so it isn't swallowed.
