The first visit
Bring your child by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. The visit is short: the dentist counts teeth, looks at the gums and shows you how to brush at home. Most toddlers sit on a parent's lap.
Sealants and fillings
Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They take a few minutes and need no numbing. If a tooth needs a filling, we tell you why and book it as its own visit.
When we refer
We refer children who need braces to an orthodontist, and very young children who need a lot of treatment to a pediatric dentist. We tell you who and why.
Questions about children's dentistry
Can I stay in the room?
Yes. Most parents do. Older children sometimes prefer to go in alone, and that is fine too.
What age should my child first see the dentist?
By the first birthday, or six months after the first tooth comes in, whichever comes first.
Reviewed by Dr. Nora Halvorsen, DMD, October 7, 2026