Age 1
ADA recommended first visit
42%
of kids have cavities by age 11
20
baby teeth to care for
When to Schedule That First Visit
By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth — whichever comes first
Early visits catch issues like decay, bite problems, and thumb-sucking effects
It's more about building comfort than doing major work
Most kids who start early grow up without dental anxiety
What Happens at a Kid's Visit
Gentle exam of teeth, gums, and jaw development
Basic cleaning if the child is comfortable
Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
Chat with parents about brushing, diet, and milestones to watch
The goal of the first visit isn't perfection — it's making your child feel safe so they grow up comfortable at the dentist.
Tips to Make It Fun
Do
- +Keep it positive and simple
- +Read a book about the dentist beforehand
- +Let them bring a favorite toy
- +Celebrate after — make it a good memory
Don't
- –Use words like "pain" or "shot"
- –Share your own dental fears
- –Bribe with candy (ironic, right?)
- –Wait until there's a problem to go
We see kids of all ages at our Richardson office — families come from Plano, Allen, Garland, and across DFW. See our cleaning services or book your child's first visit.