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It’s easy to delay a child’s first dental visit — especially when their baby teeth look fine. But those early checkups matter more than most parents realize. They shape how kids feel about dental care for years to come and can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
So, what’s the right age to start? Most experts agree: your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in.
At Love To Smile Dentistry in Overland Park, we make that first visit relaxed, positive, and surprisingly fun for kids (and parents).
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
Early appointments aren’t just about counting teeth — they’re about prevention. Cavities can develop as soon as a child has teeth, and baby teeth play a huge role in speech, nutrition, and spacing for adult teeth.
Starting early allows your dentist to:
- Spot any early decay or weak enamel
- Discuss thumb sucking or pacifier habits
- Teach you how to clean small teeth effectively
- Track your child’s growth and alignment
- Build trust with your child before any problems appear
The earlier children meet the dentist, the more comfortable they’ll feel with regular visits later.
What Happens at a Child’s First Dentist Appointment
Your child’s first visit is short, gentle, and focused on comfort. At Love To Smile, our team takes a “tell, show, do” approach — explaining each step in simple words, showing kids what we’ll do, then doing it.
Here’s what a typical first visit looks like:
- A friendly greeting and quick office tour
- A short exam of teeth, gums, and jaw growth
- Cleaning if appropriate for their age
- Guidance for brushing, flossing, and fluoride use
- Tips for diet and preventing cavities
You’ll also get a chance to ask questions about teething, nutrition, thumb sucking, and anything else that’s on your mind.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule Your Child’s First Visit
If your child:
- Has teeth starting to come in
- Drinks juice or milk frequently throughout the day
- Uses a pacifier often or sucks their thumb
- Hasn’t seen a dentist by their first birthday
…it’s time to schedule a visit. Even if your child has no visible problems, that first appointment sets healthy habits early.
How Often Should Kids See the Dentist?
After the first visit, most children should come in every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Regular visits help catch early cavities, check growth, and reinforce good brushing habits.
Kids with higher risk for decay or orthodontic concerns may benefit from more frequent checkups — your dentist will let you know if that’s needed.
Why Parents in Overland Park Choose Love To Smile Dentistry
Love To Smile is known for turning “first visit fear” into smiles. Our team, led by Dr. Pedersen, is trained in pediatric dental care and has a calm, friendly style that helps kids feel safe.
- Gentle, positive introductions for young patients
- Bright, kid-friendly rooms designed for comfort
- A preventive-first approach that helps avoid major treatments
- Education for parents and kids that builds lifelong habits
Dr. Pedersen’s goal is simple — make every child’s first dental experience so positive that they can’t wait to come back.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Appointment
You can help make the first visit smooth by:
- Talking about the dentist as a fun experience, not a scary one
- Reading a short picture book about the dentist before the visit
- Scheduling an appointment when your child is rested and not hungry
- Bringing their favorite toy or blanket for comfort
At Love To Smile, we go slow, use simple language, and cheer kids on from start to finish.
FAQ
When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
By their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Healthy baby teeth help children speak clearly, chew properly, and hold space for adult teeth.
How can I prevent cavities in baby teeth?
Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary drinks, and schedule regular checkups.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Fear is normal at first. Our team takes a gentle, calm approach that builds trust quickly — often within the first few minutes.
Does insurance cover early visits?
Most dental insurance plans cover children’s preventive visits in full. We’ll verify your benefits before the appointment.