Your Child's First Dental Visit

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

By age one, or within six months after the first tooth erupts. This is called establishing a dental home, and it is the standard recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Waiting until age three or until kindergarten is a common mistake. Early childhood cavities can begin in the first year of life and progress fast. Catching them at a routine visit costs nothing. Treating them later can require sedation, a crown, or both.

Dental home

A dental home is the ongoing relationship between a child and a dentist that includes preventive, acute, and family-centered care, established by the child's first birthday.

What happens at the first visit?

First visits at our Jackson office are short, gentle, and built around your child's comfort. Most last 20 to 30 minutes. The dentist completes a full oral exam, counts and inspects the teeth, evaluates jaw growth, and applies fluoride varnish if appropriate.

For very young children, we often do the exam in a knee-to-knee position with the parent. Older toddlers may sit in the dental chair on their own. We narrate what we are doing in age-appropriate language and let your child handle the mirror or other safe instruments before we use them.

1. Welcome and tour of the room (so nothing is a surprise)
2. Health history review with the parent
3. Visual exam of teeth, gums, tongue, and bite
4. Tooth count and growth check
5. Gentle cleaning if developmentally appropriate
6. Fluoride varnish application (about 30 seconds)
7. Anticipatory guidance: brushing, fluoride, diet, pacifier or thumb habits
8. Schedule a follow-up (typically every six months)

How should I prepare my child for the first visit?

Use positive, simple language. Words like 'count your teeth,' 'tickle your teeth,' and 'shiny smile' work better than 'shot,' 'drill,' 'hurt,' or 'pull.' Even well-meaning words from older siblings can plant fear. Keep stories light.

Let your child bring a comfort item. A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy comes into the room with them. We are happy to give the stuffed animal a quick exam first if it helps your child relax.

What should I bring?

Insurance card, a list of any medications your child takes, and your completed new-patient paperwork (download from our New Patients page). If your child has had any prior dental imaging, bring it on a USB or have the previous office email it to us.

What does it cost?

We accept Healthy Kids Dental, Delta Dental, MetLife, and most major dental insurance plans. The first visit, including exam and fluoride varnish, is typically covered as a preventive benefit at 100 percent for children under most plans. We confirm coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises.