Builds trust & comfort
- Reduces future fear
- Makes exams enjoyable
- Encourages cooperation
Gentle • Calm • Kid-friendly
Your Child’s First Dental Exam in Toronto
A child’s first dental visit should feel safe, simple, and positive. At MyDentist, our team focuses on comfort, trust, and prevention so your child builds healthy habits early. We explain everything in kid-friendly language and guide parents with clear, practical steps for home care.
Gentle, unhurried pace
Parent-guided prevention
Comfort-first approach
Benefits of starting dental care early
An early positive experience helps children develop healthy habits, prevents small issues from becoming big ones, and makes future visits much easier.
Early cavity prevention
- Spot issues before pain
- Custom home-care plan
- Fluoride & diet advice
Healthy growth monitoring
- Track tooth & jaw development
- Guide habits early
- Prevent future crowding
Lifelong oral health
- Establishes good routines
- Reduces future treatment need
- Confident, happy smiles
When to bring your child for their first exam
The Canadian Dental Association recommends the first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. We tailor timing to your child’s needs.
By age 1 or first tooth
Early visits catch issues before they become problems and build comfort.
- Preventive focus
- Habit coaching
- Positive first memory
Visible teeth or concerns
Anytime teeth erupt or parents notice discoloration, habits, or pain.
- Stains or spots
- Thumb sucking / pacifier
- Early crowding signs
High-risk factors
Bottle feeding at night, frequent snacks, family cavity history.
- Early childhood caries risk
- Diet high in sugar
- Medical conditions
Building lifelong habits
Even without concerns, early visits set the foundation for confident dental care.
- Normal growth check
- Brushing technique demo
- Parental peace of mind
Luxury detail that matters
We never rush a child. The appointment pace matches their comfort level—trust comes first, then healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What to expect during the first exam
Simple, gentle, and focused on comfort. Most visits are short and positive.
01
Warm welcome
Meet the team, tour the space, let your child get comfortable.
02
Gentle check
Count teeth, look at gums, assess bite and growth—no tools if not needed.
03
Parent guidance
Brushing demo, fluoride advice, diet tips, habit recommendations.
04
Next steps plan
Schedule future visits, discuss sealants/fluoride if appropriate.
Why early visits matter most
The first exam is about prevention and positivity—not treatment. Starting early helps spot issues before they hurt and makes dental care a normal, happy part of life.
Comfort
Reduces future anxiety
Prevention
Catch problems early
Habits
Builds brushing routine
Confidence
Healthy smile for life
How often after the first visit
Most children return every 6 months for checkups and cleanings. High-risk kids may need more frequent visits—we personalize the schedule.
Home care tips after the visit
Simple daily habits make the biggest difference. We provide personalized guidance based on your child’s age and needs.
1
Brush twice daily
Use rice-grain size fluoride toothpaste (under 3) or pea-size (3+); supervise until age 7–8.
2
Limit sugary snacks/drinks
Avoid frequent sipping of juice/milk; offer water between meals.
3
Healthy diet support
Encourage crunchy fruits/veggies; limit sticky candies and frequent treats.
4
Keep regular visits
Follow our recommended schedule—usually every 6 months for most kids.
First dental exam FAQ
Answers to common parent questions about timing, what happens, and how to prepare.
When should my child have their first dental visit
Ideally by age 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth appears—early visits focus on prevention and comfort.
What happens during the first exam
A gentle introduction to the office, visual check of teeth/gums/bite, parent education on brushing/diet, and a relaxed plan for next steps.
Will my child need X-rays
Usually not at the very first visit. We only recommend them when clinically necessary based on age, risk, and findings.
What if my child is anxious
Very common—we go at their pace, use positive language, and sometimes make the first visit just a fun meet-and-greet.
How can I help prevent cavities early
Brush twice daily with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary/acidic drinks between meals, and maintain regular dental visits.
How often should children visit the dentist
Typically every 6 months for checkups and cleanings—more often if higher cavity risk or special needs.
Give your child a confident, healthy start
Call your preferred location to schedule their first gentle dental exam.
The first visit emphasizes comfort and education—no treatment is rushed. We only recommend care after a thorough, gentle evaluation.
