Creating a Positive First Dental Visit for Your Child
At Diamond Dental, P.C., we believe that a child’s introduction to dental care should be a calm, pleasant experience. Kids aren’t naturally afraid of the dentist—much of their anxiety comes from unfamiliar situations. That’s why we use kid-friendly language and a gentle approach to help your little one feel safe and at ease from the moment you walk through our doors. The more comfortable you and your child are with what to expect, the smoother the visit will be.
Request an AppointmentWhen Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental visit by age one—or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help ensure that those brand-new baby teeth get off to a healthy start, and that good oral hygiene habits begin right from the beginning.
Understanding the Timeline of New Teeth
Most children begin teething between 6 and 12 months of age, and by around age three, they’ll likely have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth. As teeth come in, sore or tender gums are common. You can ease your child’s discomfort by gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a soft, damp cloth, or a chilled teething ring.
Baby teeth are important placeholders for permanent teeth, which usually start appearing around age six and continue coming in into early adulthood. In total, most adults will develop 28 permanent teeth—32 if wisdom teeth are present.
Building Healthy Dental Habits Early On
As those first teeth arrive, it’s important to keep a close eye out for signs of early decay, like white lines or spots on the teeth. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage brushing after meals and snacks to keep teeth clean and strong. For best results, we recommend brushing four times a day—after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and before bed.
Parents should start brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice- to pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children under two should use fluoride-free toothpaste unless directed otherwise by a dental professional. As your child grows, we’ll walk you through proper brushing techniques and talk about the right time to introduce flossing.
If you notice any signs of tooth decay, don’t wait—reach out to us right away so we can address any issues early.
Keeping Cavities at Bay With Preventive Care
Cavities develop when sugars in food and drinks turn into acid, damaging the tooth’s surface. Since kids are still learning proper oral hygiene habits, they can be especially vulnerable to decay. That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential.
We recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. During these visits, we may suggest fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. We might also recommend dental sealants—thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—to guard against cavities in the grooves where brushing can’t always reach. Sealants can last several years and are checked at every visit to ensure they remain effective.
At Diamond Dental, P.C., we’re here to support your child’s healthy smile from the very beginning. Let us help your family create strong habits that last a lifetime.