When should you take a child to the dentist for the first time?

comunicacion
04/07/2025

Looking after children’s teeth from a young age is one of the best ways to prevent future problems. But many parents wonder when exactly to take their child to the dentist for the first time. At Clínica Dental Estepona, we specialise in paediatric dentistry and know how important early care is. That’s why today we’re answering some of the most common questions about dental check-ups for children.

What is the average age to start going to the dentist?

The ideal time to start dental check-ups is much earlier than many parents think. Although it may seem early, the first visit should take place when the first baby tooth appears or no later than the child’s first birthday. From this point onwards, it’s advisable to have regular check-ups to monitor the development of the teeth and mouth.

Why take a child to the dentist at such an early age?

Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play a fundamental role in your child’s development. They help with chewing, speech, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. If these teeth are neglected, problems such as early decay (also known as “nursing caries”) can appear, affecting not only oral health but also the child’s well-being. Bringing your child to the dentist from an early age also helps them become familiar with the environment, reducing anxiety and building trust with the dental team.

When is the first dental check-up in children?

As we mentioned, the first dental check-up should take place between 6 and 12 months of age. This initial appointment is very important, as it allows the dentist to:

Check that the eruption of the teeth is progressing normally.
Assess the risk of early childhood cavities.
Give parents advice on cleaning, diet and oral habits.
Detect any early signs of issues such as crossbite or habits like thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use.

It’s not just a visit to look inside the mouth — it’s an opportunity to educate and prevent future problems.

How often should a child visit the dentist?

After the first appointment, we recommend bringing your child to the dentist every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific needs and risk level. Regular check-ups help detect any problems early, reinforce oral hygiene routines and monitor the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaws.

How to prepare a child for their first dental visit?

At Clínica Dental Estepona, we believe in creating a positive and relaxed experience. Here are some tips to help your little one feel comfortable:

Talk to your child positively about the dentist.
Avoid using phrases like “it won’t hurt” as this might create unnecessary fear.
Read stories or play games about visits to the dentist.
Let them bring a favourite toy to the appointment.

Our team is trained in paediatric care and knows how to deal with young patients with empathy and patience.

What does a paediatric dentist do?

A paediatric dentist specialises in caring for the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. They are trained to:

Treat cavities in baby teeth.
Manage space maintenance after early tooth loss.
Advise on oral hygiene habits.
Prevent and treat gum problems.
Evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment at an early stage.

At Clínica Dental Estepona, our paediatric dental specialist offers personalised, caring and effective treatment to ensure your child’s oral development is on the right track.

What if my child has no dental problems?

Even if your child has no obvious dental issues, regular check-ups are essential. Prevention is the best tool we have, and many problems can be avoided with good education and early monitoring.

Trust Clínica Dental Estepona for your child’s smile

We understand how important your child’s health and comfort is. That’s why at Clínica Dental Estepona we offer a welcoming and professional environment, with specialists in paediatric dentistry who speak several languages and treat each child with the care they deserve.