--- title: "When Should a Baby See the Dentist? The First Visit Guide" description: "The first dental visit should happen after the first tooth appears and by age one. Learn why, what happens at the visit and how to get ready as a parent." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/when-should-a-baby-see-the-dentist publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # When Should a Baby See the Dentist? The First Visit Guide A baby's first dental visit should happen after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. The American Dental Association says babies can get cavities as soon as they have teeth. The visit is short. The dentist checks teeth, gums and bite, and shows you how to care for them at home. Kids and familyPublished October 26, 20264 min read ## When should a baby first see a dentist? Plan the first visit for the time after the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. The American Dental Association (ADA) gives this timing on its MouthHealthy site. It also words the advice as within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than a child’s first birthday. If your baby is older than that, do not worry. Book a visit now. The goal is to start, not to hit a perfect date. ## Why so early, when baby teeth fall out anyway? Because decay can start as soon as teeth show up. The ADA says that as soon as your baby has teeth, they can get cavities. It adds that tooth decay can affect a child’s ability to eat and sleep, to speak clearly and to learn at school. Cleveland Clinic notes that baby teeth reserve space for the adult teeth that follow and aid the development of clear speech. An early visit lets a dentist check the first teeth, spot [early childhood caries](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries) risks and show you how to prevent them. It also lets your child meet the dental team while nothing is wrong. ## When does the first tooth usually come in? Usually around 6 months, with a wide range. The ADA says a baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although some children do not have a first tooth until 12 or 14 months. This process is called [teething](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teething), and the teeth are called [baby teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth). If your baby’s first tooth is late, you can still plan the visit by the first birthday. The ADA’s rule is “after the first tooth, but no later than the first birthday.” ## What happens at the first visit? The visit is short and gentle. The ADA says the dentist will examine your baby to make sure the teeth, jaw, bite and gums are developing as they should, and will check for mouth injuries, cavities or other issues. Depending on your child’s age and number of teeth, the dentist may do a gentle cleaning. Part of the visit What to expect Seating Your baby will likely sit on your lap in the dental chair Exam The dentist looks at teeth, gums, jaw and bite Cleaning A gentle cleaning, depending on age and number of teeth Talk Tips for home care, plus questions about feeding, teething, thumb sucking and pacifiers Town Center Dental says it treats “every member of the family, from infants to grandparents” on its Services page. The practice’s [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) page gives its own description of care for children. Our dentists are general dentists, and the family approach means you can bring your baby to the same office as the rest of the family. ## How can I get my baby ready? A few simple choices make the visit smoother. The ADA suggests an appointment time when your child is usually well-rested, alert and cooperative, and not during naptime. It suggests a light meal before the visit, then brushing, and saving snacks for after so food is not stuck on the teeth during the exam. 1. Pick a time of day when your baby is usually in a good mood. 2. Fill out the patient forms ahead of time if the office sends them. 3. Write down your questions about teething, feeding, pacifiers or thumb sucking. 4. Bring any insurance information. 5. Stay calm and positive. Babies pick up on your mood. The ADA also says never to use a dental visit as a punishment or threat. Talk about it as a normal, friendly trip. ## What can cause decay in a baby? Sugary habits and shared germs are two causes. The ADA says pacifiers dipped in sugar, honey, juice or sweetened drinks can lead to tooth decay. It also says decay can begin when cavity-causing bacteria pass from saliva in a caregiver’s mouth to the baby. That can happen when a caregiver puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth. None of this is a reason for guilt. It is a reason to ask questions at the first visit. Your dentist can talk with you about bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers and snacks, and what to change if anything needs changing. ## What about fluoride for a baby? Ask your dentist or pediatrician. The ADA says infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may be at increased risk for tooth decay, because fluoride helps make tooth enamel more resistant to decay. It advises discussing your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist or pediatrician. Your family’s tap water, your toothpaste and your child’s risk all play a part, so there is no single answer for every home. ## What if my baby cries? Crying is common and does not mean the visit went badly. The ADA says not to worry if your baby wiggles or cries, because seeing the dentist is a new experience. You and the dental team can work together to calm your child. ## How should I clean my baby’s mouth before the visit? Start in the first days of life. The ADA says to begin cleaning your baby’s mouth in the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. Once teeth come in, brush them. For children younger than 3, the ADA says to use fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear, or the size of a grain of rice. Ask your dentist if your child needs anything else, such as a [fluoride](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste) plan. Our [first dental visit guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) has more detail for parents. ## Next step If your baby has a first tooth or has turned one, it is time for a first visit. Read about [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### What age should a baby first see a dentist? After the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. The American Dental Association also words it as within six months after the first tooth comes in. If your baby is past that mark, schedule a visit now. It is not too late. ### What happens at a baby's first dental visit? The dentist checks the teeth, jaw, bite and gums, and looks for injuries or cavities. Your baby may sit on your lap. The dentist may gently clean the teeth and will give you tips for home care. ### How should I clean my baby's teeth? Wipe the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth from the first days after birth. Once teeth appear, brush them with a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day. ### What if my baby cries at the visit? That is normal. The American Dental Association says not to worry if your baby wiggles or cries, because seeing the dentist is a new experience. The dental team can help you calm your child. ## Terms on this page - [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries) - [Early childhood caries](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries) - [Fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Thumb sucking](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/thumb-sucking) - [Tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay) - [Teething](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teething) - [Enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel) - [Saliva](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/saliva) ## Sources 1. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 2. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 3. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 4. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 5. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 6. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 7. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 9. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 10. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 11. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 12. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 13. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 14. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 15. [Cleveland Clinic: Teething](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11179-teething-teething-syndrome) 16. [Cleveland Clinic: Teething](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11179-teething-teething-syndrome) 17. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 18. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 19. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 20. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) 21. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Healthy Habits - Babies and Kids](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits-babies-and-kids) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and GoThe ADA and the AAP say to schedule your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Most visits are short. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and habits, and plans future check-ups. Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) - [Cavities in Toddlers: Causes, Signs and PreventionYes, toddlers can get cavities. Decay can start as soon as a baby has teeth. Common causes are frequent sugary drinks, bottles in bed, and germs passed from caregiver to child. Early signs are white, brown or black spots. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, a cup by age one and dental visits help.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/cavities-in-toddlers) - [Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To CallA dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) - [Kids' Cavities, Fluoride and Sealants: How Do I Protect Baby and Adult Teeth?Cavities start when germs in the mouth feed on sugar and make acid that harms enamel. Fluoride makes enamel stronger. Sealants cover the grooves of back teeth. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, sensible drinks and snacks, and regular dental visits help protect baby and adult teeth. Your dentist will advise on your child.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) - [Emergency Dentist or Urgent Care or ER? Where to GoCall your dentist first for most dental emergencies. Go to an emergency room, or call 911, for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads to the neck, a fever with facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or serious facial injury. Urgent care is an option if you have no dentist.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/emergency-dentist-or-urgent-care-or-er) - [Toothache: Why Does My Tooth Hurt, and What Can I Do Until I See a Dentist?A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Common causes are cavities, a cracked tooth, gum disease, grinding and infection. Home care such as a warm saltwater rinse and a cold pack may ease mild pain for a short time. A true toothache needs a dentist, and fever, swelling or trouble breathing needs an emergency room.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/toothache-causes-and-relief) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)