When Should a Child First See the Dentist? A Kitsilano Dentist Answers
By Dr. Irena Mota, DMD · Smile Back Dental, Kitsilano, Vancouver
The short answer: Bring your child to the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. That is the Canadian Dental Association's recommendation. After that first visit, most children come back about every six months.
I hear this question from parents all the time, usually with a little guilt attached: "Is it too late? She's already three." It is never too late. But the earlier the first visit, the easier every visit after it tends to be. Here is what I tell the families who come to see us on West Broadway.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Your child should see a dentist by age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. For most babies, the first tooth comes in somewhere between six and twelve months, so the first visit usually lands around the first birthday.
Why so early, when baby teeth fall out anyway? Because cavities can start as soon as a tooth breaks through. Baby teeth also hold the space for adult teeth and help children chew and learn to speak. Catching a problem at one is far easier than treating it at four.
If your child is already past their first birthday and hasn't been yet, book now. There is no penalty for being late, and we see first-time visitors of every age.
What happens at a child's first dental visit?
A first visit is short, gentle, and mostly a conversation. For a toddler it often takes 15 to 30 minutes, and many little ones sit on a parent's lap the whole time.
Here is what usually happens:
A quick look. I count teeth, check the gums, and look for early signs of decay.
A gentle clean, if your child is ready. For very young children this may just be a wipe and polish. We never force it.
Fluoride, if it helps. A quick fluoride varnish can be painted on to protect new teeth.
Time for your questions. Brushing, teething, thumb-sucking, soothers, bottles at bedtime, how much toothpaste to use. This is often the most useful part for parents.
X-rays are usually not needed at a first visit for very young children. If they ever are, we will explain why before taking any.
How often should kids see the dentist after that?
Most children should see the dentist about every six months. Some need visits more often, for example if early decay shows up, and some can go a little longer. I set the schedule based on your child's teeth, not a calendar rule.
Regular visits matter a little more in Vancouver than in many Canadian cities. Fluoride has never been added to Metro Vancouver's tap water (CBC News), so our kids get less of that everyday protection. Fluoride toothpaste at home and fluoride varnish at checkups help make up the difference.
Does CDCP cover children's dental care?
Yes. Children can be covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if the family meets its four requirements, and we accept CDCP at Smile Back Dental. Parents include their children as dependants when they apply.
The four requirements, from canada.ca:
No access to private dental insurance, including through a parent's job
Adjusted family net income under $90,000
Parents filed their Canadian tax returns for the previous year
Canadian residents for tax purposes
For children, the most useful things CDCP covers are checkups, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants and fillings. Braces are not covered. How much you pay depends on family income (CDCP coverage):
Adjusted family net income | CDCP pays | You pay |
Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
$70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
$80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
These percentages are of CDCP's set fees, so a small extra charge is possible. We will always tell you before treatment. You can apply online through My Service Canada Account or by phone at 1-833-537-4342 (how to apply).
How can I prepare a nervous child for the dentist?
Keep it simple, positive and low-key. Children take their cues from you, so a calm, matter-of-fact tone does more than any pep talk.
Book a morning visit. Little ones are usually at their best early in the day. We open at 7 a.m., so you can come before daycare or work.
Use plain, friendly words. "The dentist will count your teeth" works better than "It won't hurt." Avoid words like shot, drill or pain, even to say they won't happen.
Practise at home. Take turns counting each other's teeth with a toothbrush, or let them "check" a stuffed animal's teeth.
Read a picture book about the dentist in the week before.
Bring a comfort item. A favourite toy or blanket is always welcome in the chair.
Keep your own worries out of it. If you are nervous about dentists yourself, that is completely normal. Just save those stories for another time.
Working with children is one of my favourite parts of dentistry. We go at your child's pace, and a first visit that is just a ride in the chair and a look around still counts as a success.
Quick answers for parents
What age should my child first see a dentist? By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth, whichever comes first.
My child is already three and has never been. Is that a problem? No. Book a visit now. We see first-time young patients of every age.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out? Yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help children chew and speak, and decay in them can cause pain and infection.
Is Vancouver's tap water fluoridated? No. Fluoride has never been added to Metro Vancouver's drinking water, so fluoride toothpaste and fluoride at checkups matter more here.
Does CDCP cover braces for children? No. Orthodontic services are not covered by CDCP. Checkups, cleanings, fluoride, sealants and fillings are.
Book your child's first visit
Smile Back Dental is at 201-2732 West Broadway in Kitsilano, Vancouver. We are open Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book online any time, or call us at (604) 736-7373.
Sources: Canadian Dental Association (first visit timing); canada.ca: who qualifies for CDCP, what CDCP covers, how to apply; CBC News (Metro Vancouver fluoride). This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own child.
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