Are you a new parent?
You already have a million questions—and, yes, we’re going to add one more to the list: When do I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
Don’t stress, you’re not behind. At the Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we see parents every week who are asking the exact same question. The good news? We’re here to make that first visit easy, stress-free, and (believe it or not) even a little fun.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 to schedule your child’s first dental visit with our gentle, family-friendly team in Fairhaven.
When Should a Baby First Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the appearance of their first tooth—whichever comes first.
We know it sounds early, but it truly lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good habits. The first visit isn’t even about looking at teeth—it’s about:
- Monitoring early development
- Accustoming your child to the dentist office
- Advising you on teething, brushing, and eating habits
- Identifying possible problems before they become issues
Most importantly, it’s about establishing trust—for you and your child.
What Occurs in a First Dental Appointment?
We understand: your infant isn’t going to sit still for an hour exam. And that’s alright! The initial visit is generally brief, gentle, and created to be positive.
Here’s what you can anticipate at Smiley Dental in Fairhaven:
- A warm welcome (we love babies!)
- A knee-to-knee examination, where your baby stays in your lap and we gently check their gums, tongue, and incoming teeth
- A discussion about feeding, thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and oral care
- Personalized guidance on how to brush those baby teeth
- A chance to ask anything—because yes, you’re welcome to take notes or ask about toothpaste brands
If your baby is teething, drooling, or cranky during the visit, that’s normal, too. We’ll go at their pace, and we’re pros at working with wiggly little ones.
Why Baby Teeth Matter (Even Though They Fall Out)
You might wonder: Why go through the effort if they’re just baby teeth?
Great question. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Baby teeth help with chewing and speech
- They guide adult teeth into the correct position
- Cavities in baby teeth can ache or spread if left untreated
- Healthy habits start early—and early visits make checkups easier later
The earlier your child feels comfortable at the dentist, the more apt they’ll be to have a lifelong confidence in taking care of their teeth.
How to Prepare for Baby’s First Dentist Appointment
We promise—no dressing up or bringing anything special needed. But here are a few things that can make the visit even simpler:
- Come at a time of day when your baby is usually happy (not nap time!)
- Bring a favorite toy or comfort item
- Fill out any paperwork ahead of time if we send it
- Come with questions, we’re here to help, not judge
- Remain calm and positive, your baby will follow your lead
If you are feeling nervous, don’t hesitate to let us know! We are more than willing to talk beforehand about the appointment so you can arrive feeling confident.
What If There’s a Problem?
Occasionally we do find early signs of problems like baby bottle tooth decay, gum inflammation, or abnormal tooth alignment. Don’t panic, we’ll walk you through it all in a welcoming and step-by-step fashion.
Our job is to support, not scare. If anything needs treatment, we’ll explain what’s going on and map out a care plan that works for your family’s comfort and budget.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 if you’ve noticed discoloration, bumps, or signs of discomfort in your child’s mouth
Baby Teeth Brushing Basics: Quick Tips from Our Fairhaven Team
Parents are always eager to learn how to clean their baby’s mouth at home. Here is what we generally recommend:
- Before teeth erupt: Wipe the gums daily with a clean, damp cloth gently
- After teeth erupt: Soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
- Brush twice a day, especially after the last feeding before bedtime
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
- Start flossing when any two teeth touch
Remember—it is not perfection. It is consistency, and your baby seeing you model good habits.
Why Fairhaven Parents Trust Smiley Dental with Their Littlest Smiles
We understand a child’s initial dental appointment sets the stage for all those that come after it. So we go the extra mile to ensure it’s warm, inviting, and completely child friendly.
Fairhaven parents adore our:
- Kid-glove, no-pressure exams
- Child-sized instruments and terminology
- Family-friendly scheduling
- Relaxed, reassuring atmosphere (even for nervous first timers)
- Straight talk—because we get that parenting is tough, and we’re here to support you
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 today to book your child’s first appointment—or just to ask a few questions. We’re here to walk you through it.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s first dental appointment is a milestone—but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. With the right attitude, it can be a fun, empowering step on the way to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we’re here to make dental care feel natural from the very beginning. Whether you’re ready to schedule or just want to learn more, we’re here for you.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 now to schedule your baby’s first dental checkup in Fairhaven. Let’s make it a positive first step—for both of you.
