Your little one just got their very first tooth. You brush it as best you can with a washcloth or a tiny toothbrush — and somewhere in the back of your mind, you think: “The dentist is still a long way off, they barely have any teeth.” That’s a perfectly normal thought. And yet, that moment has arrived earlier than you might think.
The official recommendation: around age 1
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec is clear on this: the first visit should take place about six months after the first baby tooth erupts, which generally works out to around age one.
Yes, one year old. Even if only a few small teeth are visible. Even if the child doesn’t yet understand what’s happening. This is precisely the stage when a first meeting with the dentist is most useful.
A preventive appointment, first and foremost
This first visit isn’t a complex procedure of any kind. Its main goal is prevention, and a large part of that happens through the parents.
The dentist uses this appointment to give parents practical advice on their little one’s oral hygiene: how to brush the first teeth, which risky eating habits to avoid, how to limit sugar exposure, and how to prevent early childhood cavities. This condition is more common than people think and can have a significant impact on a child’s overall health and development.
Early childhood cavities affect baby teeth, but that’s no reason to overlook them. These teeth play an essential role in chewing, speech, and jaw development. They also hold the space needed for the permanent teeth that will come in later. What’s more, early childhood cavities can spread quickly to a large number of teeth, since the enamel on primary teeth is thinner, making them more vulnerable to bacterial attack and at higher risk of decay. Early childhood cavities can lead to pain, infections, and can even affect the development of adult teeth.
Getting your child familiar with the dental clinic
Beyond hygiene advice, this first visit fills a role that’s often underestimated: helping the child get used to the environment.
A dental clinic can be an intimidating place for a child discovering it for the first time at age 5 or 6, especially if that first visit is prompted by pain or a problem. On the other hand, a young child who has already been inside a clinic, who has seen the instruments without having them used on them, and who has interacted with the dentist in a relaxed setting, develops a much calmer relationship with dental care.
This early familiarization is one of the best investments you can make for your child’s long-term oral health. Adults who visit the dentist regularly and without anxiety are often the ones who had positive dental experiences from a young age.
What actually happens during this visit?
The appointment is short, gentle, and suited to the child’s age. The dentist generally does a visual exam of the teeth and gums, checks for early signs of cavities or abnormalities, and answers any questions parents may have. There’s no stress, no surprises… In fact, kids often walk out with a big smile.
In short: don’t wait
If your child already has their first tooth and you haven’t booked an appointment yet, now’s the time. The earlier you establish a routine of dental follow-up, the better your chances of your child growing up with a healthy mouth and a positive relationship with their dentist.
One thing is certain: parents who bring their children in early almost all tell us the same thing afterward. “I didn’t know it was done this young, but I’m really glad I did it.”