The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. For many parents that feels early. Your baby may only have a few teeth, and they might not seem to need much.
That early visit isn't really about fixing anything. It's about getting to know your child, checking that their mouth is developing well, and giving you the guidance that matters most at this age.
Why so early?
Baby teeth can get cavities as soon as they come in. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood, and it often starts with habits that look harmless: a bottle at bedtime, frequent sippy cups of juice, or sharing spoons.
A visit around age one lets us:
Check how teeth, gums, jaw and bite are developing
Spot early signs of decay, often as chalky white spots, before they become cavities
Talk through teething, pacifiers, bottles and the move to a cup
Show you how to brush your child's teeth and how much toothpaste to use
Answer feeding questions, including concerns about tongue or lip ties
Just as important, your child starts to see the dentist's office as a familiar, safe place. Children who only see a dentist when something hurts often learn to dread it.
What happens at a first visit
At First Smile, first visits are short, gentle and entirely at your child's pace. A typical visit looks like this:
A warm welcome. We greet you and your child at their level. Curiosity, hesitation or quiet are all normal.
A look around. Your child gets to see the chair, the light and the mirror, and meet the team. We use tell-show-do at every step.
A knee-to-knee exam. For babies and young toddlers, your child sits in your lap facing you while Dr. Morrow gently looks at their teeth and gums. Your child can look up at you the whole time.
Time for your questions. We go over what we saw, brushing tips for this age, fluoride and diet, and what to expect next time.
Your child doesn't have to do anything they don't want to do. We won't force an exam or push past a "no." The goal is simply that your child leaves thinking the dentist was an okay place to be. You can read more on our first dental visit page.
How to prepare your child
Book a good time of day. Mornings, or after a nap, usually go best for little ones.
Keep it simple and positive. Say something like "The dentist is going to count your teeth." Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot," even to reassure them.
Read a book or play pretend. Take turns "counting teeth" with a toothbrush and a stuffed animal.
Bring a comfort item. A favorite blanket or toy helps.
Write down your questions. Teething, thumb-sucking and night feeds are all fair game.
Caring for baby teeth at home
Until the first visit, and afterwards, a few habits make a big difference:
Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds, even before teeth arrive.
Brush twice a day once the first tooth appears, using a soft, child-sized brush.
Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste: a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount from age 3 to 6.
Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.
Offer water between meals instead of juice or sweetened drinks.
What comes after the first visit?
After that first appointment, most children see us every six months. Toddler visits stay short and friendly, with lots of practice opening wide and getting comfortable in the chair. As your child grows, visits add gentle cleanings, fluoride and, later, sealants to protect the back teeth.
If your child is older than one and hasn't seen a dentist yet, that's okay. It's never too late to start, and we welcome new patients of every age.
Book your child's first visit
First Smile Pediatric Dentistry sees babies, toddlers and children at two Delaware offices: Middletown (302) 376-3750 and West Dover (302) 734-0330. Request an appointment online or call either office, and we'll help you plan a calm first visit.