The first dentist visit should happen around your child’s first birthday. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, this is the best age to begin assessing the baby teeth and gums to ensure teeth are healthy and erupting properly.

Usually, the first tooth will erupt around 4-6 months. However, before birth, your child’s primary teeth have already formed under the gums. In some cases, children may be born with teeth. Babies can even get cavities from their parents, so it’s important for you to practice dental hygiene from the beginning of your child’s life. The sooner we can assess your child’s dental health, the better.

It’s also good for young children to establish a relationship with their dentist as early as possible. At Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier, we put kids first. We want every child to enjoy going to the dentist—not dread it! The earlier your child gets used to coming to our office regularly, the less anxiety they’ll have around going to the dentist throughout their life.

Preparing Your Child

To prepare for the first visit, we recommend talking to your child ahead of time about coming to the dentist. You can try explaining to them that a dentist helps to clean their teeth to keep teeth healthy and strong. Let them know that the dentist will explain what they’re doing every step of the way, and that you can be there with them throughout the appointment. During your conversation, try to avoid words that may worry your child, such as “needle,” “drill,” “shot,” or “hurt.” Our team practices using less-threatening terms during the visit to avoid any unnecessary fear.

If you have any questions about your child’s first dentist visit, contact our office at any time! We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.