When to Plan your Toddler’s First Dentist Appointment

A baby’s life is full of “firsts”—their first time crawling, their first time eating solid foods, and their first words. With all of these monumental moments your little one is experiencing, don’t forget one of their most important “firsts”, a first visit to the dentist!

Taking your toddler to their first dentist appointment may be low on your to-do list because they only have one or two little teeth poking out of their gums. “After all,” you may say, “shouldn’t I wait until they have a few more teeth before we visit the pediatric dentist?” The answer to this question is an emphatic “no!”  Your child’s first visit to the dentist is vital to set them on the road to a lifetime of good oral health.

When considering your toddler’s oral health, there are two questions you should be asking:

When Will My Baby Get Their First Tooth?

There’s no clear cut answer to this question, much like asking when a child will take their first step. Typically, a child will get their first tooth around six months of age, but the timing can vary widely. In rare cases, some babies are born with teeth that are already peeked out from their gums! 

Before the tooth erupts from the gums, you’ll notice a few tell-tale signs it’s about to make an appearance, including:

  • Swelling of the gum
  • Redness of the gum
  • Irritability
  • Excess drool
  • Loss of appetite

When you notice these signs, be prepared for your toddler’s tooth to make its arrival!

When Should I Schedule My Toddler’s First Dentist Appointment? 

baby with a pacifier

Because your baby’s oral health is a priority, you won’t want to delay their first appointment. You should visit the pediatric dentist:

  • Within Six Months of their first tooth eruption

OR…

  • No later than their first birthday.

When it’s time to make your toddler’s appointment, be sure to tell your pediatric dentist that your child will be a new patient. When it’s time for your visit, the dentist will carefully check your baby’s mouth and look at the teeth that have already emerged. This visit is also highly educational. The dentist will help guide you as a caregiver through this transitional time as the primary teeth emerge. In many ways, these early visits are as important for you as they are for your toddler!