Your Child’s First Dental Visit—and Every One After: A Parent’s Guide from Infancy to Independence

Your Child’s First Dental Visit—and Every One After: A Parent’s Guide from Infancy to Independence

By Dr. Dean Carlston

As a family dentist with decades of experience, I’ve had the joy of watching kids grow up in my chair—from their first baby tooth to their first college dorm. Although I now focus primarily on adult and older child dentistry, my commitment to education remains strong. I don’t currently see very young children in my practice, but I continue to guide families with trusted referrals, sound science, and the insights I’ve gained from treating generations of patients.

This guide is designed for parents, grandparents, and teachers—those who want to support a child’s oral health journey in a meaningful way. It includes age-specific advice, common challenges, and practical tips to help every child grow up with a strong, healthy, confident smile.

1. Why Baby Teeth Matter (Birth to Age 2)

Though I no longer treat infants...

2. Toddler Teeth and Teaching Trust (Ages 2–4)

This is a stage filled with discovery...

3. Pre-K and Early School Years (Ages 5–7)

Kids in this range are learning routines...

4. Middle Childhood (Ages 8–10)

This is a wonderful window where kids become capable...

5. Adolescents and Tweens (Ages 11–13)

Teenagers are independent—but not always consistent...

6. When to Transition to an Adult Dentist

I typically start seeing patients as young as 9...

7. Common Challenges (and What to Do About Them)

- **Fear or anxiety**: Role-play the visit at home. Read books or watch videos about going to the dentist.
- **Uncooperative child**: Let them bring a comfort object. Keep the conversation positive. Focus on the importance of staying healthy.
- **Misinformation**: Gently correct what your child hears from peers or online with factual, age-appropriate explanations.
- **Brushing refusal**: Make it a game, use visual charts, or reward consistency with fun incentives.

8. The Role of Education in Every Visit

One thing parents tell me often is how much they appreciate that I take time to explain. And I do — every single visit. Whether a child is 3 or 13, I believe in having real conversations about how the mouth works, why we take care of it, and how it connects to digestion, heart health, breathing, and even learning.

My philosophy is simple: if a child understands *why*, they’re more likely to *care*. That’s why I encourage parents to reinforce what we talk about in the office at home. Make it part of conversations about food, school, sports, and growing up.

9. A Word for Teachers and Grandparents

If you’re a teacher, you have a unique opportunity to reinforce healthy habits. This article can be printed and sent home in health folders or shared at parent nights.

Grandparents, too, play a big role. You often have more one-on-one time, and kids love learning from you. You can lead by example—brushing together, talking about your dental visits, and reminding them how important it is to take care of the only set of teeth they’ll ever get.

Together, we can raise a generation of kids who know their mouth matters—and that every smile tells a bigger story.

10. Final Thoughts from Dr. Carlston

Whether your child is one or fifteen, it’s never too early—or too late—to build great dental habits. I’m here to make sure those early visits are something your child looks forward to, not fears. And with every visit, I promise to teach, listen, and guide them—not just fix teeth.

Because your child’s mouth *is* part of their whole body. And if it’s not healthy, they’re not healthy. Let’s raise kids who understand that—and feel empowered to take charge of their health, one smile at a time.