A Child’s First Visit Should Be Enjoyable and Positive
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. We use pleasant, simple words to describe the dental visit and aim for a fun, exciting, interesting, and educational experience for new pediatric patients.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday. Pediatric dentists require 2–3 years of additional training in child psychology, pediatric medicine, growth and development, nutrition, and developmental orthodontics.
- Examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Check to see if fluoride is needed.
- Teach you about cleaning your child’s teeth and gums.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
Understanding Your Child’s Teeth
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. The first baby tooth typically erupts between 6 and 12 months. By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. Permanent teeth begin arriving around age 6 and continue through age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth — or 32 including wisdom teeth.
For optimal oral hygiene, brushing four times a day is recommended: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Most of the time, cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of consistent brushing.
Everything You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about pediatric dental care.
Most cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. These habits make a significant difference:
- Limit the frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals.
- Watch what your child drinks — sugary drinks increase cavity risk.
- Avoid sticky foods that cling to teeth.
- Make treats part of meals rather than standalone snacks.
- Choose nutritious snacks like cheese, vegetables, and water.
We use dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. They act as a physical barrier between the tooth surface and bacteria — significantly reducing the risk of cavities in the molars where children are most vulnerable.
The application is quick, painless, and highly effective. Sealants are recommended when the permanent molars have fully erupted, typically around ages 6 and 12.
Understanding when teeth arrive helps you know what to expect and when to schedule checkups:
- 6–12 months: First baby tooth erupts.
- By age 3: All 20 primary teeth have come in.
- Ages 6–21: Permanent teeth arrive progressively.
- Adults: 28 permanent teeth (32 including wisdom teeth).
Ready for your child’s next checkup?
Book a gentle pediatric visit with Hershey Dental Care today.