Your Child's First Dental Visit: When to Go and What Happens

The first dental visit is less about treatment and more about getting started early. The NHS says an early visit helps a child get used to the dental surgery and get to know the dentist, lets the dentist give advice on preventing decay, and allows problems to be spotted early. healthdirect Australia adds that a positive experience can motivate children to look after their teeth. For brushing and toothpaste advice by age, see our guide to children's teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

The advice is broadly the same everywhere: around the time the first tooth comes through, and no later than the first birthday. The exact wording differs slightly.

• UK: the NHS says to take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old.
• Australia: the Australian Dental Association recommends a first visit when the first teeth appear. healthdirect and the Raising Children Network say by the time the first tooth appears or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. The Better Health Channel (Victoria) says every child should have a dental check by the time they turn 1.
• US: the American Dental Association says after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics says by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth, and recommends establishing a "dental home" (a regular dental practice for your child) by age 1.

The NHS says the first tooth usually comes through at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later (see teething). Because the advice sets a first-birthday limit, a baby whose teeth are late should still be seen by then.

Who does the first check?

It is not always a dentist. The Better Health Channel says this first check can be done by a dentist, an oral health therapist, a dental therapist or a dental hygienist, or by a trained health professional such as a maternal and child health nurse or doctor, who will refer your child to a dental clinic if needed. In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics says paediatricians (children's doctors) check babies' teeth at regular check-ups and can apply fluoride varnish, a protective fluoride coating painted on the teeth. See dental hygienists and therapists for what each role does.

What happens at the first visit?

The Australian Dental Association and the American Dental Association describe similar first visits:

1. A talk about your child. The dentist asks about your child's general health and development, diet, habits and tooth cleaning. The Australian Dental Association says this may include whether your child takes a bottle to bed and whether they suck a thumb, fingers or a dummy, because these can affect the teeth and how the mouth develops.
2. A look in the mouth. The dentist checks the teeth, tongue, cheeks, gums, lips and throat. The American Dental Association says the dentist checks that the jaw and teeth are developing as they should, and looks for injuries, decay and other problems. For a baby with only a few teeth, the Australian Dental Association says this may not take long.
3. Advice for you. The dentist explains what they have seen, gives tips on caring for your child's teeth at home, and tells you what to look out for as your child grows.

Depending on your child's age, the Australian Dental Association says the dentist may also clean the teeth, apply fluoride or take X-rays. The American Dental Association says the dentist will clean the teeth once the examination is over.

The American Dental Association says your child can sit on your lap in the dental chair if they cannot, or do not want to, sit alone. If your child cries or wriggles, it says not to worry: this is normal and the dental team understands. The NHS says that simply letting the dentist look in the mouth is useful practice for the future. The American Dental Association suggests bringing a list of questions, for example about teething, thumb sucking or dummies.

If your child needs treatment, the Australian Dental Association says the dentist may refer them to a paediatric dentist, a dentist with further specialist training in caring for children. The Raising Children Network says paediatric dentists often see children who are very young or anxious, who have additional health care needs, or who need more complex care.

How can I prepare my child?

Suggestions from the Australian Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the Better Health Channel include:

• Talk about what happens at the dentist, in a positive way.
• Read picture books or watch videos about visiting the dentist.
• Play dentist at home, taking turns to be the dentist and the patient. The Australian Dental Association suggests practising counting your child's teeth, using a spoon as a pretend mirror. The American Dental Association suggests practising opening the mouth wide.
• Take your child along to your own check-up so they can see what happens (Better Health Channel).

Planning the day

• Pick a good time. The American Dental Association says avoid naptime and choose a time when your child is usually rested; the Better Health Channel suggests appointments early in the day.
• Eat and brush first. The American Dental Association suggests a light meal and brushing beforehand, and saving snacks for after the visit.
• Plan something fun afterwards, such as a trip to the park (Better Health Channel).

How can I keep visits positive?

The NHS says to be positive about the visit and make the trip fun, so your child does not worry about future visits. The Australian Dental Association and the Better Health Channel add:

• Only say positive things about your own dental visits in front of your child.
• Avoid negative or scary stories, and never use the dentist as a threat.
• If you are nervous yourself, try not to show it, as children can pick up on it.
• Do not tell your child to "be brave". The Australian Dental Association says this can make them think there is something to fear.
• During the visit, let the dental practitioner have your child's full attention. The Better Health Channel says they are trained to be gentle and help children feel comfortable.

If your child is already anxious, or you are, see our guide to dental anxiety.

Does it cost anything?

This depends on where you live. For full details, see dental costs and where to get help.

• UK: the NHS says NHS dental care for children is free.
• Australia: the Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps eligible families with the cost of services such as check-ups and cleaning (healthdirect). Some states offer more: the Better Health Channel says all children aged 0 to 12 in Victoria can use public dental services at low cost or for free, depending on eligibility. The Raising Children Network suggests checking whether your child's school offers a free or subsidised dental service.
• US: the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says states must provide dental benefits for children covered by Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides dental services up to age 19 for children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.

After the first visit

The Raising Children Network says the dentist will tell you how often to bring your child back, usually every 6 to 12 months. The Better Health Channel says how often depends on each child's needs and risk, so ask your dental practitioner. The UK interval is explained in dental check-ups.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Children's teeth, NHS, accessed September 2026
2. First dental visits, Australian Dental Association, accessed September 2026
3. Looking after your baby or child's teeth, healthdirect Australia, accessed September 2026
4. Dental checks for young children, Better Health Channel (Victoria), accessed September 2026
5. Going to the dentist, Raising Children Network, accessed September 2026
6. Your baby's first dental visit, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), accessed September 2026
7. Baby's first tooth: 7 facts parents should know, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), accessed September 2026
8. Good oral health starts early: AAP policy explained, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), accessed September 2026
9. What is a pediatric dentist?, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), accessed September 2026
10. Finding dental care, NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, accessed September 2026

This article is general information about oral health. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dentist or doctor who knows your situation. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding that does not settle, or a problem that is getting worse, see a dental professional. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service.

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