Children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever happens first. This is the guidance of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD). Booking early gives your child the best chance of growing up cavity-free and comfortable in the dental chair.
Why age one, and not later?
Many parents assume the dentist can wait until a child is three or ready for school. The recommendation changed because tooth decay can start the moment the first tooth appears. Cavities are one of the most common reasons young children in Canada need day surgery, and almost all of them are preventable.
The goal of that first appointment isn’t a deep cleaning or a long exam. It’s prevention. Seeing a dentist early means small problems get caught before they become painful or expensive, and you get clear guidance while your child’s habits are still forming.
What actually happens at the first visit?
The first visit is short, gentle, and led by your child’s comfort. For babies and toddlers, it often happens with your child sitting on your lap. Most first appointments take 20 to 30 minutes. If your child needs more time to warm up, that’s completely normal, the visit still counts as a positive first step.
During a baby’s first dental visit, a pediatric dentist will:
- Check the teeth and gums that have come in
- Look for early signs of decay
- Review brushing, feeding, and fluoride at home
- Answer your questions about teething, thumb-sucking, or bottles
How do I prepare my child?
Keep it simple and positive. Talk about the dentist as someone who helps keep teeth healthy, and avoid words like “hurt” or “needle.” Booking a morning appointment, when your child is rested, tends to go more smoothly. A children’s book about visiting the dentist can also help set the tone.
What if my child is already past age one?
If your child is older than one and hasn’t seen a dentist yet, the best time to book is now. The one-year mark is a starting point, not a deadline. And if you ever notice white or brown spots on the teeth, or your child complains of pain, book sooner rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Why see a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist completes several years of additional training after dental school, focused specifically on infants, children, and teens. Our board-certified pediatric dentists are trained not just in tiny teeth, but in child behaviour, growth, and development.
Beyond checking for cavities, a pediatric dentist watches how your child’s teeth and jaw develop over time. This is when early bite or spacing issues are first spotted, long before braces are on the table. If your child would benefit from an assessment down the road, starting here means someone already knows their history. You can read more about our approach to children’s orthodontics as your child grows.
Frequently asked questions
Is one year old too early to see the dentist? No. Canadian guidelines recommend a first visit by age one. Early visits are about prevention and building comfort, not treatment.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway? Yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, help your child eat and speak, and some stay in the mouth until around age 12. Decay in baby teeth can still cause real pain and infection.
How often should my child see the dentist after the first visit? For most children, every six months. Regular checkups let the dentist catch small problems early and track healthy development.
Book your child’s first visit in Toronto
The best first dental visit is an early, unhurried one. At Superkids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Toronto, our board-certified pediatric dentists welcome babies and young children in a space built just for them, right here in The Junction. Book your child’s first dental visit online or call us at 416-792-1155, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.