Early dental visits set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Learn when to schedule your child's first appointment and what to expect.
The Right Time: Earlier Than You Might Think
The Israeli Dental Association — in line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry — recommends that a child's first dental visit happen by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Most children have their first tooth between six and ten months.
This early timing might seem surprising. After all, there are only one or two tiny teeth to look at. But the purpose of the first visit is as much about establishing a relationship and educating parents as it is about examining teeth.
What Happens at the First Visit
For very young children, the first visit is short — usually 20 to 30 minutes. The dentist will gently count the teeth that have emerged, check the gums, assess the bite as it develops, and look for any early signs of decay. Parents are also guided on correct brushing technique for infant teeth, diet, and pacifier habits.
The visit is designed to be calm and positive. We let children explore the dental chair and instruments at their own pace, use playful language ("counting your teeth", "making them sparkly"), and never rush. The goal is for your child to leave thinking the dentist is a friendly, interesting place — not a scary one.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
"They're just going to fall out anyway" is one of the most common misconceptions we hear. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support clear speech development, and allow proper chewing for nutrition. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and even affect the development of the permanent teeth growing beneath them.
Early decay — sometimes called Early Childhood Caries — is the most common chronic childhood disease, and it is almost entirely preventable with the right guidance from an early age.
Preparing Your Child (and Yourself)
Children often pick up on parental anxiety. If you feel nervous about dental visits, try not to voice concerns or use words like "hurt" or "drill" before the appointment. Instead, read a children's book about the dentist together, play pretend "dentist" at home, and speak positively about the experience.
Bring your child's favourite toy or comfort object, schedule the appointment for a time when they are well-rested, and arrive a few minutes early to let them get comfortable in the waiting room. The more relaxed and prepared you are, the smoother the visit will be.
How Often After the First Visit?
After the first visit, we typically recommend checkups every six months. As your child grows and more teeth come in, these visits become opportunities to apply fluoride treatments, fissure sealants on molars, and to catch any developmental concerns early.
If you have an infant or toddler and have not yet scheduled their first dental visit, we welcome you to contact us at Shuster Dent. Our team has extensive experience making young patients feel at ease.