When Should My Child First See a Dentist? A Simple Guide for Parents

As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that includes caring for their smiles. One of the questions we hear most often at is:

“When should my child first see a dentist?”

You might be surprised to learn that your child’s first dental visit should happen by age 1, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. At Sunbeams, we make this easy and welcoming, in fact, your baby’s first visit under age 1 is completely free. Our goal is to help parents learn about oral hygiene early and build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Why Early Dental Visits Are So Important

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an essential role in your child’s development.

Healthy baby teeth:

🌞Help your child chew and eat properly

🌞Support clear speech development

🌞Guide permanent teeth into the right positions

🌞Boost confidence with a healthy smile

Starting dental care early also gives parents the tools they need to prevent cavities and other dental

problems. Early visits create a comfortable, positive experience for your child, so they grow up with

less anxiety about dental visits. Preventive care is always easier, and less stressful, than treating

problems later.

What Happens at Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Your child’s first dental visit is gentle, relaxed, and educational. We focus on making both parents and

childrenfeel comfortable. During the appointment, we:

🌞Examine your baby’s gums, teeth, and jaw development

🌞Check for early signs of cavities or other concerns

🌞Review feeding, teething, and pacifier or thumb-sucking habits

🌞Teach parents proper brushing and oral care techniques

🌞Answerany questions and make sure your child’s first visit is positive

Every visit is an opportunity to start healthy habits early, habits that will support your child’s dental

health for years to come.

Why We Offer a Free First Visit Under Age 1

At Sunbeams Pediatric Dentistry, we believe prevention is key. Offering a free first visit under age 1

allowsus to:

🌞Educate parents early

🌞Detect potential issues before they become serious

🌞Build a positive relationship with your child and the dental office

This early start helps children feel safe and comfortable at the dentist while giving families peace of

mind knowing they are doing everything they can to support healthy smiles.

Tips for Caring for Baby Teeth at Home

Evenbefore your child’s first visit, you can start promoting healthy teeth and gums at home:

1.Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings.

2.Begin brushing with a soft baby toothbrush as soon as teeth appear.

3.Limit sugary drinks and snacks.

4.Make brushing a fun and consistent routine.

5.Schedule regular dental visits and follow the advice of your pediatric dentist.

Starting early makes a big difference in preventing cavities and supporting lifelong dental health.

Getting Started

If your child hasn’t had their first dental visit yet, now is the perfect time. Sunbeams Pediatric

Dentistry is here to make the first visit easy, gentle, and educational, for both parents and children.

Your child’s healthy smile journey can start today. Schedule your baby’s free first visit under age

1, and let us help you build a foundation for lifelong dental health.