When Should Baby See the Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This timeline might seem early, but there are important reasons for it.
Baby teeth can develop cavities as soon as they emerge. In fact, early childhood caries is one of the most common chronic diseases in young children. By establishing a dental home early, we can identify risk factors, provide preventive guidance, and catch any concerns before they become problems.
What Happens at Baby's First Dental Visit?
Infant exams at our Pickering office are designed to be comfortable and informative. The appointment typically lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on three main areas: examination, education, and establishing comfort.
During the exam, your baby will sit in your lap while our pediatric dentist gently examines their teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. We check for early signs of decay, assess how the teeth are coming in, and evaluate oral tissues for any abnormalities.
We spend significant time talking with parents about oral hygiene for infants, proper nutrition to prevent cavities, pacifier and thumb-sucking habits, teething, and what to expect as more teeth emerge. You'll leave with practical knowledge you can use immediately.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
Children who visit the dentist before age one are significantly less likely to need restorative dental work later. Early visits allow us to:
- Apply fluoride varnish to protect emerging teeth
- Identify concerns like tongue-tie or lip-tie that might affect feeding or speech
- Create a positive first experience that shapes your child's attitude toward dental care
Our Pickering pediatric dental team specializes in working with the youngest patients. We understand that babies and toddlers require special techniques, extra patience, and environments designed specifically for their needs.
What to Expect
A gentle, educational experience for baby and parents.
Examination
Your baby sits in your lap while our pediatric dentist gently examines their teeth, gums, jaw, and bite.
Development Check
We check for early signs of decay, assess how teeth are coming in, and evaluate oral tissues for any abnormalities.
Education
We discuss oral hygiene, proper nutrition, pacifier habits, teething, and what to expect as more teeth emerge.
Fluoride Application
If appropriate, we apply fluoride varnish to protect emerging teeth from decay.
Questions & Guidance
You'll leave with practical knowledge and a personalized plan for your baby's oral care.
Building a Dental Home
Establishing your baby with a pediatric dentist early creates what we call a dental home. This means your child has a consistent place for all their dental needs, where the team knows their history, understands their temperament, and can track their development over time.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region bring their infants to Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for first dental visits. No referral is needed, and we welcome parents to ask as many questions as they'd like during these important early appointments.
