A child’s first dental visit is an exam and a talk about home care, due when the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday, says the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Our Redondo Beach office is a short drive from Torrance, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Starting early matters because tooth decay in young children is common and easy to miss at home. According to the CDC, half of children aged 6 to 9 have had a cavity in their baby or permanent teeth. A first visit gives the dentist a look before problems start and gives you a plan for keeping them away. Call (310) 542-6988 to book your child’s first appointment.
When Should Your Child’s First Dental Visit Be?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit when the first tooth comes in, and no later than 12 months of age. The CDC also recommends a first visit by the first birthday. In practice that means whichever comes first: the first tooth or the first birthday. Many babies get their first tooth somewhere around six months, though the timing varies a lot from child to child.
The visit is early on purpose. Decay can start as soon as a tooth breaks through the gum, especially when a baby falls asleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice. Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the problems a first visit is meant to catch, or prevent altogether.
If your child is already past the first birthday
A child who is two, three or older and has never seen a dentist should still go, and the sooner the better. If your child has a tooth that looks discolored, has a dark spot or seems to hurt, mention it when you call so the visit can focus on it.
What Happens at a First Dental Visit
A first dental visit is mostly a conversation and a look. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) describes a first visit as including:
- An exam of your child’s teeth and gums to find early signs of decay
- A check of how likely your child is to get cavities
- Advice on cleaning your child’s teeth and on fluoride, both at home and as a fluoride treatment for kids at the dentist
- A talk about diet and feeding, and about habits such as bottles, pacifiers and thumb sucking
- Tips on preventing injuries to the mouth
Ask us whether you can stay with your child during the exam.
X-rays are not usually part of a baby’s first visit. The dentist decides whether your child needs them based on age, how many teeth are in and whether there are signs of decay between teeth.
Most children then come back every six months. Those dental cleanings and exams for children are where small problems get caught before they need a filling.
How to Prepare Your Child, Age by Age
How you prepare depends on how old your child is. Babies need very little; preschoolers do better when they know what is coming.
Babies (under 12 months)
Book a time when your baby is usually rested and fed, often a morning slot rather than right before a nap. Bring a favorite toy or blanket. A baby who cries during the exam is normal, and crying does not stop the dentist from seeing the teeth.
Toddlers (1 to 3)
Toddlers often get upset when they are separated from a parent, and “no” is a common answer at this age. Keep the description simple: someone is going to count their teeth and look at their smile.
Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Children this age cope better when they know what to expect. Read a picture book about visiting the dentist, play a game where you count each other’s teeth, and use positive words. Avoid words like “shot”, “hurt” or “drill”, even to say they will not happen, and let the dental team explain the tools in their own way.
What to Bring and What to Ask
Bring your insurance card, a list of any medications your child takes and any health conditions they have. Write your questions down beforehand so you do not forget them once the exam starts. Parents often ask:
- How much toothpaste should I use, and what kind?
- Does my child need extra fluoride, and does our tap water have it?
- When should we stop the bottle, the pacifier or thumb sucking?
For toothpaste, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association advise a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice from the first tooth until age three, and a pea-sized amount from age three. Cleaning a baby’s gums and first teeth before the first visit gets your child used to having a toothbrush in their mouth.
What a First Dental Visit Costs
The cost of a child’s first dental visit depends on what the visit includes. An exam on its own costs less than a visit that adds a cleaning, fluoride or X-rays, and any treatment is priced separately. Your insurance plan affects what you pay, so ask for an estimate before the visit.
We accept PPO plans. Many dental plans cover children’s exams and cleanings at a higher rate than fillings or crowns, but the details vary, so ask us how your plan applies to your child’s visit. For costs your plan does not cover, we offer payment plans through Cherry, CareCredit and LendingClub, and an in-office plan for patients without insurance.
One Office for the Whole Family
Redondo Beach Dental Group sees children and adults, so a child’s first visit can be the start of years at the same office their parents use. Kids’ dentistry at Redondo Beach Dental Group covers what comes after the first visit, from checkups and fluoride to fillings and crowns. If you are new to the practice too, an adult’s first dental visit includes a full exam, a gum check and any X-rays you need. Ask us whether you can book your own visit and your child’s on the same day.
Some children are better served by a pediatric specialist, for example a very young child with a lot of decay or a child with medical or developmental needs. If that might be your child, ask at the first visit which option fits.
Dr. Moshe Eizdi leads the practice. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child have their first dental visit?
A child should have their first dental visit when the first tooth comes in, and no later than the first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The CDC also recommends a first visit by the first birthday. Whichever comes first is the time to book.
How much does a child’s first dental visit cost?
The cost of a child’s first dental visit depends on what is done and on your insurance. An exam alone costs less than a visit that adds a cleaning, fluoride or X-rays. Ask us for an estimate before the visit. Many dental plans cover children’s preventive visits.
Should a 2 year old see a dentist?
A two-year-old should see a dentist, and if they have not been yet, it is worth booking now. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by the first birthday, but a later first visit is far better than none. After that, most children go every six months.
When to book a child’s first dentist appointment?
Book a child’s first dentist appointment when you see the first tooth come through, or before the first birthday if no tooth has appeared yet. Choose a time of day when your child is usually rested, often a morning slot rather than right before a nap.
Does a baby need X-rays at the first dental visit?
A baby does not usually need X-rays at a first dental visit. The dentist decides based on your child’s age, how many teeth are in, and whether there are signs of decay that cannot be seen by looking. Ask the dentist to explain the reason if X-rays are suggested.
How do I prepare my toddler for their first dentist visit?
To prepare a toddler for a first dentist visit, keep the description short and positive: the dentist will count their teeth and look at their smile. Practice brushing a stuffed animal’s teeth together, bring a comfort item, and avoid words like “shot” or “hurt”.
Book Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach Dental Group is at 2511 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. We are open Monday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (310) 542-6988 or request an appointment online, and tell us your child’s age so we can plan the visit.