First Visit, Big Smiles: Preparing Your Child for the Dentist

Posted on June 12, 2025

There’s a first time for everything. First steps, first words, and a first time in a dentist’s chair. And like all those other “firsts,” your child’s first dental visit lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good dental health.

However, let’s be honest: a visit to the dentist’s office isn’t exactly at the top of most kids’ wish lists. For a small child, it can be a lot.

That’s why how you introduce the experience matters. Here’s how to make that first visit feel a little less mysteriousand a lot more manageable.

When to Schedule the First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.

That might sound early, but it makes sense. These early visits are less about finding cavities and more about building comfort, trust, and good habits.

Start with a Calm, Interested Tone

Your child will pick up on your energy, so try to approach the visit with curiosity rather than anxiety. Avoid words like “hurt,” “drill,” or “shot”, even if you’re using them to say what won’t happen. Kids remember the words, not the context.

Instead, talk about the visit the same way you’d talk about going to the park or meeting a new friend. “The dentist is going to count your teeth and help us take care of your smile.”

Read, Watch, and Pretend

Before the visit, introduce the idea of the dentist through books or shows. There are plenty of gentle, child-friendly options out there.

You can also role-play at home. Take turns being the dentist and the patient. Count each other’s teeth with a toothbrush. Let your child practice on a stuffed animal. Familiarity is comforting.

Choose the Right Time of Day

You know your child’s rhythms better than anyone. Try to schedule the appointment for a time when they’re usually well-rested and fed. A sleepy or hungry toddler won’t be eager to cooperate, no matter how charming the office is.

Bring a Comfort Itemand Stay Close

It’s perfectly fine to bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal along. And you’ll likely be invited to stay with your child during the appointment, especially if they’re still very young. Just your presence can make the whole experience feel safer.

Keep Expectations Realistic

Don’t expect a full cleaning or X-rays on the first visit. That may come later. The first appointment is usually short and sweet: a look at the teeth, a conversation with you about habits, and a chance for your child to get familiar with the space.

Even if your child cries or doesn’t open their mouth right away, it’s okay. The goal is simply to begin the relationship, not to rush it.

What Happens After Matters, Too

Once the visit is over, keep the tone positive. Celebrate the effort, not just the result. “You were so brave!” or “I’m proud of you for trying something new” goes a long way.

If your child liked a particular part of the visit (a toy, a sticker, a kind hygienist) talk about it later. Reinforce the good. You’re helping build a narrative that says, “Going to the dentist isn’t scary. It’s just part of taking care of yourself.”

A Foundation That Lasts

The first dental visit is less about your child’s teeth than it is about creating a habit that will last them into adulthood. By approaching it with calm, curiosity, and care, you’re not just helping your child through an appointment. You’re helping them build trust in the world, one smile at a time.