Prepare your child for their visit to the dentist
Many parents believe that it is too early to take a baby to the dentist if they are still teething or if their milk teeth are ‘going to fall out’. But today we know that early prevention is the key to avoiding future cavities, bite problems and more costly and complex complications. Nowadays, recommendations regarding children’s first visit to the dentist have evolved from the past, prioritising early detection and prevention to ensure better oral health for children.
That is why the current recommendation has changed completely. This article is a comprehensive and educational resource for parents seeking information about children’s first visit to the dentist.
Introduction to children’s oral health
Children’s oral health is essential for their proper development and well-being from the earliest days of life. Baby teeth, although temporary, perform key functions: they enable proper chewing, facilitate speech learning and guide jaw growth and the position of permanent teeth. Therefore, the first visit to the paediatric dentist is not only recommended, but necessary to ensure that the child’s oral development proceeds without complications. Dentists specialising in paediatric dentistry recommend that this first visit to the dentist take place when the first tooth appears or at the age of one, at which point the baby’s dental care focuses on prevention, hygiene and monitoring of oral development. This allows for the early detection of possible problems and the establishment of healthy habits that will accompany the child throughout their life.
At what age should children have their first visit to the dentist?
The leading scientific societies are clear on this:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
- Spanish Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SEOP)
- Spanish Paediatric Association (AEP)
A study conducted in 2007 revealed the high prevalence of tooth decay in children under the age of 4, which led these societies to bring forward the recommended age for a child’s first visit to the dentist and to emphasise the importance of paediatric dentistry and early care from the first months of life.
The answer to when to take your child for their first visit to the dentist is clear and backed by experts: it should be around the age of one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
And it’s not too early. In fact, waiting longer increases the risk of developing early tooth decay, infections or undiagnosed bite problems.
Why is such an early check-up so important?
Paediatric dentistry specialists agree on the importance of early check-ups to detect potential problems and establish healthy habits from the outset.
The first visit is a preventive, educational and diagnostic practice recommended for children’s oral health. And it makes a big difference to their future oral health.
Problems are detected before they appear
During the initial visit, it is possible to identify:
- Bottle tooth decay
- Malocclusion or open or cross bites that can be treated with paediatric orthodontics
- Incorrect functional habits (mouth breathing, thumb sucking, pacifier use)
- Teeth that do not erupt properly
- Alterations in jaw growth
In addition, the existence of conditions such as bottle tooth decay or alterations in the growth or position of the teeth, which may be present from an early age and may require specific treatment for childhood tooth decay, is assessed.
When these problems are detected early, treatment is simpler, more effective and less invasive. If any abnormalities are observed, follow-up or specific treatment tailored to each case is recommended.
Hygiene habits are established from day one
Although baby teeth are temporary, they play a vital role in guiding facial growth, maintaining space for permanent teeth and enabling proper biting, eating and speaking. Premature loss of these teeth can lead to crowding, crooked teeth, occlusion problems and an increased risk of decay in permanent teeth. The first visit to the dentist allows parents to learn how to clean their baby’s mouth properly. It is advisable to clean your baby’s gums and teeth after each feed to prevent decay, especially if your baby is bottle-fed or breastfed. In addition, parents are taught the proper brushing technique for their child’s age, the correct amount of toothpaste to use, the recommended frequency of brushing, and the appropriate time to introduce flossing.
Prevention of childhood tooth decay
Baby tooth decay, or bottle tooth decay, is one of the most common conditions in early childhood. It is essential that both fathers and mothers are informed about the prevention of childhood tooth decay in order to protect their children’s oral health.
This caries usually appears due to night-time breastfeeding without subsequent hygiene, prolonged consumption of juices, bottles or sugary foods, and a lack of proper dental cleaning. It is an aggressive and rapid disease, which may require treatment even before the age of 2. In some cases, it may require conservative procedures such as pulpectomies on milk teeth. If white spots, pain or any signs of tooth decay are observed, it is necessary to take the child to the dentist as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.
During the first visit, the paediatric dentist assesses the risk of tooth decay and may apply preventive measures such as fluoridation, sealants and offer tailored dietary guidance to protect the baby’s oral health.
Children lose their fear of the dentist
Visiting the clinic for the first time when there is already pain or an emergency is a very common mistake.
An early visit achieves just the opposite:
- children become familiar with the environment
- they learn to trust the dentist and begin to establish a relationship of trust that is essential for their well-being
- it reduces fear and anxiety
- it normalises oral care
It is also important to avoid any comments or attitudes that may cause fear in the child during their first visit.
Positive experiences are key to ensuring that the child does not avoid check-ups or treatments in the future.
The role of the paediatric dentist
The paediatric dentist is much more than a professional who treats cavities or dental problems: they are an ally in the prevention and care of children’s oral health. Their work begins from the first visit to the dentist, where they not only check the child’s mouth for abnormalities or conditions, but also guide parents on the best way to care for baby teeth and maintain proper hygiene. Paediatric dentists are trained to create an atmosphere of trust and tranquillity, making the experience positive and fear-free. In addition, they offer personalised advice on preventing cavities and other conditions, tailoring their recommendations to each stage of development. Thus, a visit to the paediatric dentist becomes an opportunity to educate, prevent and encourage healthy habits that will protect the child’s mouth throughout their life.
What does the first visit involve?
It is a brief, simple and painless consultation, in which the team specialising in paediatric dentistry accompanies and cares for the child to build trust in both the child and the parents.
It usually includes:
- Check-up of gums, tongue and palate
- Assessment of jaw growth
- Check-up of existing teeth
- Diagnosis of oral habits
- Assessment of the risk of tooth decay
- Personalised recommendations
It is recommended that the first visit to the paediatric dentist be carried out by a specialised professional to ensure proper care from the outset.
Above all, it is an educational consultation for parents.
Caring for baby teeth
Caring for baby teeth is essential to ensure good oral health in childhood and in the future. From the moment the first tooth erupts, it is important to start daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste, always following the instructions of the paediatric dentist. Parents should supervise brushing until the child acquires the necessary skills, which usually occurs around the age of 13. Maintaining proper hygiene and attending regular check-ups with the paediatric dentist every six months, as recommended by the Spanish Society of Paediatric Dentistry, helps prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal disease in children, as well as more serious complications such as periodontitis. These check-ups allow any problems to be detected early and reinforce cleaning habits, ensuring that baby teeth fulfil their role in development and that children enjoy a healthy smile throughout their lives.
Warning signs: when to seek treatment even before the age of one
Consult your paediatric dentist if you notice:
- Stained or yellow teeth
- A blow to the mouth
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Prolonged use of a dummy or thumb sucking
If you detect any of these warning signs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the paediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Remember that visits to the dentist should be an integral part of your child’s healthcare routine to prevent problems and help them become familiar with the dental environment.
Tips for preparing for the first visit
It is important for parents to prepare their child for their first visit to the dentist in a positive way, avoiding talking about the dentist as something that is ‘scary’ or using words that may cause anxiety, such as “needles” or ‘pain’. It is also recommended not to convey nervousness to the child or promise gifts in exchange for the experience to be natural and without pressure. The visit should be explained as a normal and necessary experience for taking care of their oral health, viewing it as part of their routine and not as a punishment.
Conclusion
The first visit to the dentist should not wait until the age of 3 or 4: it should take place around the first year of life.
This involves preventing, educating and protecting the child’s oral development from the outset, avoiding complex treatments in the future. These recommendations are endorsed by experts in paediatric dentistry, who insist on the importance of early care. By following these guidelines, better oral health for children can be achieved.
