What Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child's First Dental Visit

Why your child's first dental visit matters

Children pick up on how we feel. When you feel informed and supported, it is easier to stay calm and reassuring on the day. An early visit is not just about checking teeth. It is about helping your child see the dentist as a safe, friendly place, not somewhere to fear.

• Baby teeth guide the position of adult teeth and affect speech and eating.
• Small problems can often be managed gently if they are spotted early.
• Regular check ups help prevent pain and urgent treatment later on.

Many families in the UK find that bringing children for routine care from a young age helps them feel more settled, even if they are shy or anxious at first.

You can read more about routine care on our dental check ups and cleaning page and our preventative and family dentistry page.

Getting ready at home in a gentle way

You do not need to rehearse every detail or make a big occasion of the appointment. Simple, calm messages tend to work best for young children.

Use child friendly language

• Talk about the dentist as someone who "counts your teeth" and "checks that your smile is healthy".
• Avoid words like "hurt", "needle" or "injection" unless your child asks something very specific.
• Share short, positive sentences such as "The dentist is kind and will tell us how to look after your teeth".

Play and stories

• Read a picture book about visiting the dentist or watch a gentle age appropriate video together.
• Let your child practise opening wide in front of a mirror or with a favourite toy.
• Keep it light and playful, for example letting them be the dentist for a teddy bear.

Look after yourself too

If you feel anxious because of your own past dental experiences, you are not alone. Many parents carry strong memories from childhood. Tell the dental team how you feel so they can support you as well as your child.

Our team is experienced in caring for nervous patients and we offer extra support where needed. You can find more details on our dental anxiety and nervous patients page.

What usually happens at a child's first dental visit

Every child is different, and the dentist will work at your child's pace. The first visit is often very simple and may be quite short. The aim is to help your child feel welcome and safe.

Welcome and getting to know your child

• You and your child are welcomed into the surgery and introduced to the dentist and nurse.
• The dentist may chat to your child about their favourite games, school or hobbies to help them relax.
• You can stay with your child throughout the appointment unless there is a very specific reason not to.

A gentle check of their teeth and gums

• The dentist will usually ask your child to open wide so they can look at each tooth.
• They may use a small mirror and a light to see clearly, and will explain what they are doing in simple terms.
• If your child is unsure, the dentist can pause, show the mirror on a finger or teddy, and try again later if needed.

Advice that fits your family

• You can ask questions about brushing, snacks, drinks and habits like thumb sucking.
• The dentist may suggest fluoride toothpaste strength that is suitable for your child's age.
• Together you can agree when to come back for the next check up.

Helping nervous or sensory sensitive children feel safe

Some children find new places or bright lights overwhelming, especially if they have had health appointments before. Others simply feel shy. This is very understandable, and our team will never rush a child who is not ready.

• Let us know in advance if your child has additional needs or particular worries.
• Bring a comfort item such as a favourite soft toy, blanket or headphones.
• Agree a simple signal with your child so they can let you and the dentist know if they need a pause.
• It may help to start with a "get to know you" visit where your child just sits in the chair and has a very quick look around the mouth.

Building trust can take time. A calm, kind approach now can make dental care much easier for your child as they grow older.

After the visit: keeping their smile healthy at home

Leaving the practice, it can be lovely to tell your child how proud you are of them. Even if things did not go perfectly, notice the small steps they managed. This helps them feel brave and supported.

Daily brushing habits

• Help your child brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that is suitable for their age.
• In the evening, try to brush after their last food or drink that contains sugar.
• Until around age seven, most children still need a grown up to help with brushing.

Snacks and drinks

• Offer water or milk between meals where possible.
• Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes rather than frequent grazing.
• Encourage crunchy fruit and vegetables as everyday options.

Your dentist will let you know how often they recommend check ups for your child, based on their needs and risk of tooth decay.

When to contact us for advice

Please get in touch with the practice if you are worried about any of the following between routine visits:

• Your child complains of toothache or pain when eating or drinking.
• You notice dark spots, holes or changes in the colour of their teeth.
• Their gums look very red, swollen or bleed frequently when brushing.
• They have had a fall or injury that has affected their mouth or teeth.

Our Ludlow team will explain the safest next steps and arrange an appointment if needed. For sudden pain or urgent problems, you can read more on our emergency dentistry page.

FAQs about your child's first dental visit