When to book the first visit
Canadian dental guidance suggests a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are short and gentle — they are about getting your child comfortable, spotting any issues, and coaching you on brushing and diet, long before any real treatment is needed.
How to prepare at home
A little prep goes a long way:
- Talk about the visit positively — the dentist 'counts' and 'tickles' teeth
- Read a picture book about going to the dentist
- Book a morning slot when your child is rested
- Avoid words like 'hurt', 'needle' or 'drill'
What happens at the appointment
The dentist will count your child's teeth, check how they are coming in and how the bite is forming, maybe do a quick polish, and often apply fluoride. You will get tips on brushing, thumb-sucking, and avoiding early cavities from juice and sweets. Many clinics let you hold your little one on your lap for the first look.
Making it stick
Regular, friendly visits build a lifetime of calm dental habits. Look for a clinic that lists kids' dentistry and welcomes young patients — on SmileMatch you can filter for that and read the clinic profile before you go, so there are no surprises for you or your child.