Your Child's First Dental Visit
A comfortable first step.
Your child's first dental visit is an opportunity to introduce them to dental care, check their developing teeth and help them become comfortable with the people and environment they'll return to as they grow.
When to start
When should my child first see a dentist?
You may hear recommendations for a child's first dental visit around their first birthday. There can be real value in getting guidance early, particularly around brushing, fluoride, feeding habits and caring for those first teeth.
In our experience, however, around age two to three is often a more productive time for a child's first dental appointment. At that age, many children are better able to participate in the visit, giving us an opportunity to examine their teeth while helping them become comfortable with the dental environment.
That doesn't mean you need to wait until then to ask questions. If your child is younger and you'd like guidance on caring for their teeth, we're happy to speak with you by phone and save you an unnecessary trip to the office.
And, of course, if you notice something that concerns you before then, give us a call. We'll help you determine whether your child should be seen.
Our Happy Visit
What happens at a first dental visit?
Getting comfortable
Your child can watch a favourite show on our TVs, or sit on your lap the whole time if that helps.
Counting their teeth
Often we start by counting their teeth together, a playful way to look at their teeth and gums and see how things are developing.
A cleaning, if they're ready
If your child is comfortable, we'll go ahead with a gentle cleaning and polish, and answer your questions about brushing and care at home.
A high five either way
If a new place and new faces feel like too much that day, that's okay. They get a high five and a pick from our toy box, so the next visit starts on a positive note.
A first visit usually takes 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your child's age. It doesn't have to accomplish everything.
Before the appointment
Keep it simple.
You don't need to prepare your child extensively for their first dental visit. A simple, positive explanation that they're going to meet the dentist and have their teeth looked at is often enough.
Try to avoid introducing worries they haven't expressed themselves. We'll explain what we're doing in language that makes sense for their age and take the visit at an appropriate pace.
- Keep the explanation positive and matter-of-fact.
- Avoid promising that “nothing will hurt.”
- Tell us beforehand if there's something we should know about your child's previous experiences, concerns or needs.
Have questions before they're ready for a first visit? If your child is still very young, we're happy to speak with you about caring for their teeth at home. Sometimes a conversation is more useful than making a trip to the office before your child is ready for a productive first visit.
A gentler pace
Some children need a little more time.
That's okay. Children vary considerably in how quickly they become comfortable in a new environment.
We can adjust the pace of the appointment, explain things in age-appropriate language and focus on helping your child become familiar with dental care. Sometimes we're able to complete everything planned. Sometimes building comfort for the next visit is the more useful outcome.
Common questions
Common questions about a first dental visit.
What age should kids first see a dentist?+
You may hear recommendations for a first dental visit around age one. While there can be real value in getting advice about caring for your child's teeth at that age, we find that around two to three years old is often a more productive time for a first dental appointment. If your child is younger and you have questions about brushing, fluoride, feeding habits or caring for their first teeth, we're happy to speak with you by phone. If you notice something concerning before then, please call us so we can determine whether your child should be seen.
What happens at my child's first dental appointment?+
A first visit may include getting comfortable with the dental environment, looking at your child's teeth and gums, discussing brushing and eating habits and answering your questions. What we accomplish depends partly on your child's age and comfort level. We don't need every first appointment to look exactly the same.
How should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?+
Keep the explanation simple, positive and matter-of-fact. Let your child know they're going to meet the dentist and have their teeth looked at. Avoid introducing worries they haven't expressed, and tell us beforehand if there are previous experiences, concerns or needs that would help us plan the visit.
What if my child won't open their mouth for the dentist?+
That's not unusual, particularly for very young or nervous children. We can take the visit gradually and see what your child is comfortable allowing us to do. A first appointment can still be useful even if we aren't able to complete every part of an examination.
Will my child have their teeth cleaned at their first visit?+
It depends on your child's age, oral health and comfort level. Some children are ready for a cleaning at their first appointment, while for others the priority is simply becoming comfortable with the environment and having their teeth examined.
Can I stay with my child during their dental appointment?+
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during the appointment, especially for a first visit. Having a familiar person nearby can help some children feel more comfortable while they get to know us and become familiar with the dental environment.
Do you accept new child patients?+
Yes. Dr. Michael Nightingale and Dr. Ali Lubelsky are welcoming new patients, including children and families, at Chandler & Nightingale Dental.
Related care
Ready for their first visit?
Dr. Michael Nightingale and Dr. Ali Lubelsky are welcoming new patients and families at Chandler & Nightingale Dental.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.