A child's first dental visit is generally recommended when the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are mainly about prevention and getting the child used to the dental environment.
What happens at the first visit?
- a gentle look at the teeth, gums and jaw development;
- assessment of the child's risk of tooth decay;
- advice on brushing, fluoride toothpaste and diet;
- discussion of habits such as bottle use at night, dummies or thumb sucking.
Why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth help children chew, speak and smile, and they hold space for the permanent teeth. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and can affect the teeth developing underneath.
Tips for parents
- Start cleaning the mouth even before the first tooth erupts.
- Brush twice a day with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid putting children to sleep with milk or juice in a bottle.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Make dental visits positive and routine, not only when there is a problem.
Regular check-ups every few months, as advised by your dentist, help catch problems early. Families living in Istanbul can contact us via WhatsApp to arrange a visit.
Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.