How Often Should Kids See the Dentist? A Parent's Guide

As a parent, you have a lot to keep track of — and dental visits can be easy to put off, especially when your child isn't complaining about their teeth. But tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood, and it often doesn't cause pain until it's advanced. Regular visits are the simplest way to keep your child's smile healthy and help them feel comfortable at the dentist for life.

When Should a Child First See the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend a first dental visit by your child's first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in.

That may sound early, but the first visit is short and gentle. It gives us a chance to:

• Check your child's first teeth and gums for early signs of decay
• Show you how to clean your baby's teeth and gums
• Talk about teething, pacifiers, thumb-sucking and bottles
• Discuss fluoride and diet habits that protect young teeth
• Help your child get familiar with the dental office in a relaxed way

How Often Should Kids Get Checkups?

For most children, we recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months. Some kids benefit from more frequent visits — for example, children who have had cavities before, have braces, or have special health needs. We'll recommend a schedule that fits your child.

Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?

It's tempting to think baby teeth aren't important because they'll fall out anyway. In reality, baby teeth:

• Help children chew properly and get good nutrition
• Support clear speech development
• Hold space for the adult teeth growing underneath
• Affect your child's confidence when they smile

Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection and problems with the developing adult teeth. That's why we treat them with gentle care, often using tooth-colored fillings.

What Happens at a Kids' Dental Visit?

A typical visit includes a gentle cleaning, a check of your child's teeth, gums and bite, and X-rays when they're needed. As your child gets older, we may recommend dental sealants — thin protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth — and fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel. Both are quick, painless and very effective at preventing cavities.

Tips to Make Dental Visits Easier

• Start early. Kids who visit before they have a problem tend to feel more comfortable.
• Keep it positive. Avoid words like "hurt," "shot" or "drill." Let your child know the dentist will count and clean their teeth.
• Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist together.
• Schedule wisely. Morning appointments, when kids are well rested, often go best.
• Lead by example. Let your child see you brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist too.

Healthy Habits at Home

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste — a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6.
• Help your child brush until they can do it well on their own, usually around age 7 or 8.
• Start flossing once two teeth touch.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.

Family Dental Care in Greensboro

At All Smiles Family Dental, we care for patients of every age, so parents and kids can often be seen at the same visit. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry, or book your child's next checkup online.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for a dental exam or professional advice.