When to Take Baby to the Dentist, According to Experts and Parents

Going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s important to keep up with it—and it starts really early on. You may be surprised—and a little confused—to learn that babies should start going to the dentist in that first year, given that most babies only have a couple of teeth by their first birthday. But that inaugural dental appointment is a crucial part of setting baby up for lifelong success when it comes to oral health and hygiene.

“One thing I always tell parents: caring for baby teeth is not just about today, it’s about setting lifelong habits. Children who develop cavities in baby teeth are much more likely to develop cavities in their adult teeth,” says Ashley Lerman, DDS, a board-certified pediatric dentist at Firstgrin. “Early prevention, regular visits and good home care can set your child up for a lifetime of better oral health.” So when should you take baby to the dentist? How often? And what happens at baby’s first dental visit? Here, experts answer all your questions.

Key Takeaways

• Babies should start going to the dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
• At their first visit, baby will likely have a “lap exam.” The dentist will examine baby’s gums, teeth and bite from the comfort of your lap. They’ll also look for signs of any issues, like a tongue or lip tie.
• There may be some tears at the first appointment, but keep things fun and positive rather than fearful. The first visit is a good time to start building a positive relationship with the dentist.
• Babies can see family dentists that have experience with infants and toddlers or a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists typically have a few more years of training where they specifically learn how to treat babies.

When Should Babies Start Going to the Dentist?

Babies should start going to the dentist by the time they’re one year old, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, “whichever comes first,” Lerman says. “The earlier we start, the better chance we have of preventing problems rather than treating them later.”

Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, a holistic dentist in Utah, agrees, noting these early visits are more about getting baby comfortable with the dentist than anything else. “These early visits aren’t about drills or cavities,” she says. “They’re about building trust, prevention and learning.”

How often should babies and toddlers go to the dentist?

According to Jorgensen, babies should go to the dentist every six months, similar to adults. This will help them monitor baby’s oral development, check for issues like tongue and lip ties and catch any early signs of tooth decay. You may be surprised to hear that baby’s brand new teeth can be susceptible to decay, but “baby teeth are surprisingly vulnerable,” Jorgensen explains. “They have thinner enamel than adult teeth, so decay can move quickly and silently. Starting dental care early allows small problems to be caught (and sometimes even reversed) before they become big ones.” In fact, Lerman notes that young kids at higher risk for cavities may be asked to come in every three months for appointments.

What Happens at Baby’s First Dental Appointment?

As Lerman notes, “The first visit is really about prevention and education.” At the appointment, your pediatric dentist will do an exam while baby remains seated on your lap. They’ll look at baby’s incoming teeth and gums, check their bite and monitor for any signs of issues. Then, they’ll clean baby’s teeth and apply fluoride, if needed, as well as answer any questions parents may have about teething, feeding, thumb sucking and baby’s oral care routine.

During this exam, baby may cry, but don’t be startled by this, says Jorgensen. “It’s not fear, it’s unfamiliarity. When parents stay calm and upbeat, the child usually follows their lead.”

How to Choose Baby’s Dentist

The key is to find a care provider that’s confident in treating tiny mouths and will help ensure baby’s relationship with the dentist starts off as—and continues to be—a positive one. Given this goal, one of the most-commonly asked questions when it comes to baby’s dentist is whether they should see a pediatric dentist, specifically. While family dentists are certainly well-equipped to care for babies, pediatric dentists who “work frequently with children may be more attuned to the subtleties of a developing mouth,” Jorgensen says.

Lerman agrees, noting that pediatric dentists attend an extra two to three years of training after dental school to learn how to specifically care for babies, toddlers and young children with special needs. “We know how to make the experience positive and age-appropriate,” Lerman says. “While some general dentists are very comfortable seeing young children, I recommend choosing a pediatric dentist, if possible, especially for your child’s first visits.” Pediatric dentists will normally see kids from birth through age 18.

As you look for a pediatric or family dentist, ask your circle for their recommendations and look online for office reviews. You’ll also want to call and confirm the office takes baby’s dental insurance, if applicable, for the appointment.

Tips for Making Baby’s First Dental Visit a Breeze

While baby’s first dental visit may sound stressful, experts offer a few strategies to help make sure it goes smoothly:

• Schedule it smartly: You’ll want to schedule the visit for when baby’s rested and fed, advises Lerman. This also means not scheduling it too close to baby’s nap time in case it takes a while.
• Keep it positive and fun: If you don’t like going to the dentist as an adult, you’re not alone. According to Cleveland Clinic, 36 percent of American adults are actually afraid of the dentist. But it’s important to teach your littles that the dentist isn’t something to be feared by keeping the communication around the appointment light and fun. Talk about it as if it’s a new adventure and avoid using words like “hurt,” “shot” or "scared,” even if you’re just trying to reassure your little one.
• Come prepared: Come prepared with bottles, snacks and toys for baby in case the wait time is a little longer. Plus, bring comfort items to help soothe them, such as a pacifier or blanket, suggests Lerman.
• Stay calm: It can be anxiety-inducing as a parent to watch your baby go to the dentist for the first time, but remember that baby will pick up on how you’re feeling. In other words, if you’re nervous, they’ll be nervous too.

How to Care for Baby’s Teeth at Home

You can start caring for baby’s oral health even before their first tooth arrives. To do so, use a clean and warm washcloth or a silicone finger brush to gently clean baby’s gums. Not only does this help get rid of any milk residue, but it also helps baby to get used to an oral care routine, which will come in handy when they start brushing their teeth.

When their teeth start coming in, use a soft toothbrush with a small grain of toothpaste to brush twice a day (rinse the toothpaste off for them since they can’t spit out yet). Help your kids brush their teeth and brush for them until they get the hang of it (this likely won’t happen until around age 7), to make sure everything’s getting properly cleaned. Once their teeth start to touch, you’ll want to introduce floss, Jorgensen says.

Lastly, along with baby’s oral care routine, look at their diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks, Lerman says. You should also limit sticky foods, like dried fruit and vitamin gummies, as these can lead to cavities. “Offer water between meals, and make sure to lift the lip and look at the teeth regularly so you can spot any early signs of trouble,” Lerman adds

Taking baby to their first dental appointment can be a bit nerve-wracking for you, but it’s an important part of setting them up for lifelong success when it comes to their oral hygiene and health. “Early, consistent dental care isn’t just about teeth—it’s about a child’s whole-body wellness and development,” notes Jorgensen. “When we support their mouths, we support their health, their growth and their confidence—one tiny tooth at a time.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.