Your child's first dental visit: when to go and what to expect

Your child's first dental visit should happen when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first.¹ It's usually short and gentle, and it's as much about helping you as it is about checking teeth.

If you'd like to know how we look after children from their first tooth to their teens, see our page on children's dentistry.

Why go so early?

Baby teeth matter. They help children eat and speak, and they guide the adult teeth into the right place in the jaw.¹ Tooth decay is the main reason children lose baby teeth before they're due to fall out.¹

An early visit means:

• small problems are found before they hurt
• your child gets used to the dentist while nothing is wrong
• you get practical advice on brushing, toothpaste, food, drinks and habits

If your baby has no teeth by 12 months, it's still worth a check-up.³

What happens at the first visit

Every child is different, and we go at their pace. A first visit usually looks like this:²

1. Hello. Your child can sit on your lap and meet the dentist.
2. A gentle look. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, inside and outside the mouth.
3. Maybe a little clean or fluoride — only if your child is comfortable and it's needed.
4. Your questions. Teething, dummies, bottles, snacks, brushing.
5. A plan for what to watch at home and when to come back.

If your child would rather just look around this time, that's a good visit too.

Brushing and toothpaste, age by age

Australian health guidance recommends:¹

• From the first tooth to 17 months: a soft brush and water only — no toothpaste unless your dentist advises it.
• 18 months to 5 years: twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit it out, not swallow or rinse.
• 6 years and over: standard fluoride toothpaste, twice a day.
• Once two teeth touch: start cleaning between them with floss.

Keep helping your child brush until they're around nine years old.¹

Habits that protect little teeth

• Put your child to bed without a bottle of milk, formula or juice.¹
• Never dip a dummy in honey, jam or anything sweet.³
• Offer water when your child is thirsty, and keep sweet foods to mealtimes.¹

How often after that?

Most children need a check-up every 6 to 12 months. Your dentist will suggest what suits your child.⁴

Help with the cost

Eligible families may be able to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a Medicare program that helps with basic dental care for children aged 0–17.⁵ You don't need to apply — Services Australia sends eligible families a letter.⁶ Read how the CDBS works.

Ready for your child's first visit?

We keep first visits short, gentle and unhurried, and you're welcome to stay close the whole time. Book your child's first visit or read more about children's dentistry at Dickson Dental on Cape.