Your Baby’s First Dental Visit by Age One: What to Expect

At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry in Ijamsville, MD, we believe early dental care is the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. That’s why we follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation: your baby should have their first dental visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth erupting.

Whether you're a first-time parent or already juggling multiple kiddos, we’re here to make that first visit gentle, educational, and full of encouragement.

First Dental Visit by Age One: What to Expect

Baby teeth — also called primary teeth — play a critical role in your child’s health and development. They help with:

• Chewing and proper nutrition

• Speech development

• Holding space for permanent teeth

• Building early comfort and confidence with dental visits

Tooth decay can begin as early as your baby’s first tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infections, and costly dental procedures later. Research shows that children who visit the dentist by age one have significantly lower dental costs over time and better oral health outcomes.

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve designed every part of the first visit to be child-friendly, welcoming, and tailored to your child’s individual needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A gentle exam by Dr. Dina Chehab, our board-certified pediatric dentist

• An evaluation of your baby’s teeth, gums, and oral development

• Guidance on teething, thumb sucking, pacifiers, and nutrition

• A dental cleaning and fluoride application, if appropriate

• Oral hygiene education for parents

• Plenty of time to ask questions — in a no-judgment, no-pressure space

If your child is very young, the appointment may be brief and focused on helping them feel safe and comfortable. You’re welcome to bring their favorite toy or stuffed animal to help ease them into the experience.

In cases where a child is more anxious, we may recommend a “desensitization” visit, which allows your child to meet the team and explore the office before any dental work is done. Dr. Dina will create an individualized plan based on your child’s needs and comfort.

How to Prepare for the First Visit

Positive preparation starts at home. You can help your child look forward to their dental visit by:

• Speaking calmly and enthusiastically about the dentist

• Reading kid-friendly books like:

  • “We’re Going to the Dentist”

  • “What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist”

  • “Dentist Trip with Peppa Pig”(Avoid “Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist,” as it involves tooth removal.)

• Watching gentle shows like:

  • “Daniel Tiger Gets His Teeth Cleaned”

  • “Peppa Pig Visits the Dentist”

Use positive, friendly language. Try words like: tickle, sparkle, brush, count, clean, vitamins, hugs, toothbrush, superheroes, princesses.

Avoid words like: shot, needle, drill, pull — even if you think your child won’t be scared, these words can create unnecessary anxiety.

Let us do the explaining. If your child needs a procedure, we’ll introduce it in gentle, age-appropriate terms. We’re experts in connecting with kids on their level.

A Calm, Cozy Dental Home for Your Family

Our Ijamsville pediatric dental office, just minutes from Urbana and Frederick, is thoughtfully designed to help children feel at ease. Soft blues, natural wood accents, and cheerful artwork create a space that feels more like home than a clinic. We even have Teddi, our certified therapy dog, ready to offer calm companionship when needed.

We welcome children of all ages — including those with special health care needs or complex medical conditions — and we tailor every visit to support your child’s comfort and developmental stage.

Let’s Get Your Child’s Smile Off to a Healthy Start

Establishing a dental home by age one helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. We’re honored to be part of your child’s health journey, and we’re here to make it joyful every step of the way.

Call our office at (301) 882-3105 to schedule your baby’s first dental visit. Located at 3280 Urbana Pike, Suite 203, Ijamsville, MD 21754Email: info@urbanakids.com

If you have any additional questions about your child's oral hygiene, please feel free to contact us at Urbana Pediatric Dentistry. To learn more about Urbana Pediatric Dentistry visit our About Us page. For more tips and information feel free to Contact Us and follow us on social media on Instagram @urbanapediatricdentistry and Facebook @urbanapediatricdentistry.