When Should My Child First See the Dentist?
Your child’s first dental visit is more than a milestone—it’s the start of a healthy relationship with dental care that will benefit them for life.
At Centreville Family Dentistry and Implant Center, we recommend scheduling the first dental visit by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
Why Early Visits Matter
Introducing dental visits early has big benefits:
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Development Check: We can monitor how teeth and jaws are growing and spot any concerns early.
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Problem Prevention: Catching small issues before they become big problems saves time, money, and stress later.
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Parent Education: Learn the best ways to brush and floss little teeth, choose tooth-friendly snacks, and handle teething discomfort.
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Positive Associations: The earlier and more positive the experience, the less fear a child will have of the dentist later in life.
What to Expect at the First Visit
We keep the first visit fun, short, and comfortable:
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A Gentle Exam — We check your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues.
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Guidance for Parents — Tips for oral hygiene, nutrition, and cavity prevention.
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Q&A Time — Answering your questions about fluoride, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and more.
We avoid anything that could feel scary. The goal is to make the dentist’s office a happy, safe place for your child.
Making the Experience Positive
Parents can help make the visit a success by:
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Scheduling the appointment in the morning when your child is rested.
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Using positive language and avoiding words like “hurt” or “needle.”
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Reading picture books or watching videos about going to the dentist before the visit.
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Letting them choose a fun toothbrush afterwards as a reward.
Setting the Stage for Lifelong Health
Starting early sets your child up for fewer cavities, less anxiety, and a smile they can be proud of. We’re here to make dental visits enjoyable, educational, and stress-free for both kids and parents.
