Paediatric Dentistry
Your child's first visit
An early, friendly first visit helps your child feel at ease at the dentist.
First visit
By age one
Length
Short
Feel
Friendly
Includes
Tips for parents
Overview
It is best to bring your child for their first visit by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. Early visits keep things positive and relaxed.
The first appointment is gentle and short. Your dentist looks at the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and diet, and helps your child get comfortable.
What to know
- Aim for the first visit by age one
- Early visits build comfort and trust
- The appointment is gentle and short
- A good chance to ask any questions
Common questions
Is age one not too early?
No. Early visits catch problems sooner and help your child feel safe at the dentist.
What happens at the first visit?
A gentle look at the teeth and gums, plus advice on cleaning, diet and habits.
How can I prepare my child?
Keep it positive, talk about it cheerfully and avoid words like 'hurt' or 'needle'.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes. Your presence helps young children feel reassured.
Related topics
Teething
Teething is the normal, temporary discomfort as baby teeth come through.
Early childhood (bottle) decay
Decay in baby teeth, often linked to sugary drinks in a bottle, can be prevented.
Fissure sealants for children
A protective coating on back teeth helps stop decay starting in the grooves.
Thumb & dummy sucking
Thumb and dummy sucking is normal early on but is best stopped by about age three.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026