first dentist visit baby

When Should Baby Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

When to schedule baby's first dental visit, how to choose a dentist for your child, read this next, what happens at baby's first dentist visit, tips to make your child’s dentist visit easier, how often to visit the dentist.

Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, your dentist will let you know when to make the next visit. Most experts recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd Edition, Heidi Murkoff. What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Dental Care , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Is Your Toddler Teething? , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Preventing Cavities and Keeping Baby's Teeth Healthy , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Brushing Baby's Teeth , July 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know , November 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Good Oral Health Starts Early , November 2020 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Frequently Asked Questions , 2021. American Dental Association, Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile , May 2014.

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A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving him or her a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child proper home cleaning such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a development problem.

Protect your children's teeth at home

Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. This is when the child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Don't give children a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle in 5 to 6 minutes or less.

Help your child brush his or her own teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

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What to Expect

Choosing a dentist.

Getting Ready For The Visit

Preparing as a Parent

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Pediatric Dentist is, “When should I bring my baby in for their first dental visit?”

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. While it may sound early, starting at that age will start your baby on a path for great oral health and prevent a number of dental problems that can occur during childhood.

The first visit gives parents a chance to become educated on how to properly care for their child's teeth and gives children a chance to become comfortable with the dental environment at an early age.

At the first visit, the dentist will examine your baby's mouth to make sure everything is growing and developing properly and will check for dental caries, tongue ties, and any signs of injuries.

The dentist will typically tell you everything you need to know to keep your child's teeth healthy including:

What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush to use
Brushing and flossing techniques
How to relieve teething discomfort
Which foods and drinks cause cavities
Answers to questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking.

The examination and cleaning itself can take just a few minutes, but most of the time is spent on making the child feel comfortable and educating the parents. You should not expect the overall visit to take a long time.

The first step is finding a Pediatric Dentist for your child. Pediatric Dentists have two to three additional years of training after dental school during which they extensively study child development, behavior management of patients from infancy to adolescence, and how best to work with special needs children.

Most Pediatric Dentists will aim to provide a fun environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, yummy flavored toothpaste, and staff that enjoy working with children. When children are having fun, they gain trust in the dentist and staff, and will often enjoy their visits and look forward to their next appointment.

Where to Find a Dentist

To find a Pediatric Dentist in your area, you can Google nearby pediatric dentists, talk to other parents you know for recommendations, and ask your child's pediatrician or your own dentist. If you have dental insurance, you can search for a Pediatric Dentist through your list of participating providers.

Getting Ready For Your Child's Visit

When you have decided on an office, call them to schedule a visit. Young children tend to do their best in the morning when they are fresh and full of energy. Avoid scheduling appointments late in the day or close to nap times when children can be groggy or cranky.

You can inquire if it is possible for you and your child to come to the office for a tour and to meet the doctor before the actual day of the checkup. If your child has any special needs, discuss it with the staff member that schedules your appointment. The dentist will often want a little extra time scheduled for this.

If there is something in particular that keeps your child calm and happy (a song they like to hear, a video they like to watch or simply a color they like), let the dentist know so they can try to incorporate that into the visit.

Mental Preparation

Once you have an appointment scheduled, start preparing your child for the visit. Children learn best when they are having fun. You can practice giving their stuffed animal a checkup with a toy mirror.

Your child can bring that same stuffed animal to the dental visit to get a check-up by the dentist. Read books to them. I recommend:

Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
Elmo Visits the Dentist by P.J. Shaw

You can also watch one of the many YouTube videos about going to the dentist, such as Daniel Tiger's .

Put Them At Ease

When talking to your child about their upcoming trip to the dentist, you can assure them that there are no shots at this visit and that the dentist will simply examine and brush their teeth and talk to them about how to keep their teeth healthy.

Let them know that the dentist will show them all of the tools and explain all of the procedures before starting. You can also plan a treat (not candy or junk food) such as a trip to the park or toy store should they need a little extra motivation.

Anticipating Follow Up Visits

Once you've completed your first visit, it's time to start preparing your child for their second visit! Discuss the visit with your child and remind them of the positive things that happened such as:

There were no shots
Nothing hurt
The toothpaste tasted great
The toothbrush tickled
The dentist counted all of your teeth and now we know how many teeth you have
You got prizes and a new toothbrush at the end
Next time we go there, we'll get these fun prizes all over again!

To prepare yourself, come on time, if possible a few minutes earlier to fill out any registration and consent forms that may be needed. Many offices have their registration forms on their website so you can fill them out in advance.

Give your dentist a complete health history of your child. If your child is taking any medications, have a list of the medications and dosages. Have your child's pediatrician's contact information available.

If you have any particular questions that you want the dentist to address, write them down so you don't forget to ask them if the dentist doesn't bring those topics up.

It is also important to have reasonable expectations of your child. During the visit, some children may open their mouths willingly and enjoy the experience, while some will not, just as some do not enjoy getting haircuts or wearing seatbelts. Luckily, with preparation and sticking to a regular recall schedule (typically every six months), the visits will get easier and more enjoyable each time.

Many children that may start out fearful or anxious can become patients that love going to the dentist once they've been a few times.

By Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS is a pediatric dentist practicing in Queens, New York and is the owner of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.

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Your Baby's First Dental Visit

Your baby is hitting new milestones every day, and his or her first dental visit is another one to include in the baby book!

Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears , but no later than the first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth , he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. (Need a dentist? Use our Find-A-Dentist tool to find one in your area.)

How to Prepare

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething , sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

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Your child’s first dental visit

A child’s first visit to the dentist is an exciting milestone. But it’s also an important appointment that can help set them on a lifelong path toward good oral health.

The right time to schedule a first visit is within six months of their first tooth coming in, or no later than their first birthday. This timing is crucial because it’s important to:

Learn how to help your child avoid cavities and reduce health risks.

Find out who to call if there is an emergency.

Get to know your child’s dentist.

In the long run, you’ll also save money by learning how to take care of your child’s oral health and reducing the risk of more serious or expensive issues.

Getting your child ready

In advance of the visit, give them an idea of what to expect:

Go over what will happen at the appointment (more on that below). And be sure not to pass on any personal fear you may have of dentists to your child. Give them every opportunity to enjoy their first visit.

Explain why it’s important to go to the dentist and how it keeps them healthy.

Take time to answer any questions they may have.

Try to schedule a morning appointment when your child is likely to be more awake and attentive.

The day of the visit, go over what to expect one more time. Don’t share any negative experiences that you or other family members may have had with the dentist – instead, remain calm and positive! Your child will likely mirror the feelings you express about the appointment.

It can help to bring a comfort item or quiet game so they can have a little fun while they wait. It’s also an option to plan a positive reward for after the appointment.

What will happen during the visit?

During the routine exam, the dentist will check your child for cavities and review overall growth and development. The dentist will also demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your child’s teeth at home to make sure you’re as effective as possible in removing the plaque bacteria from all tooth surfaces.

To help you continue to care for your child’s oral health, you and your dentist will also:

Discuss food, drinks, and habits that can cause cavities and healthy alternatives

Review the vital role fluoride plays in strengthening tooth enamel and protecting your child’s smile

Be given helpful information for preventing accidents as your child grows

Why is it important to practice good oral health care from an early age? Because untreated oral health issues will continue to worsen over time – and more than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. 1

By taking your child to the dentist, you’re pointing them toward the path of good oral health. Prepare a little in advance to make sure it’s a great appointment!

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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A child's first dental visit fact sheet.

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. You can tell them about the exam room, the instruments they might see, the face masks the dentist and hygienist may wear, and the bright exam light. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Prepare the dentist

If you don't know the dentist, interview the person first to see if they sound right for your child's needs and personality. At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations. Ask the dentist how they handle such behavior. If you aren't comfortable with the answer, find another dentist.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure, such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Protect your children's teeth at home

Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. Children should spit after brushing. Encourage them not to swallow extra toothpaste.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Only put breastmilk or formula in bottles. Don't give children a bottle of juice, soft drinks, or sweetened liquid.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Children should finish bottles before going to sleep.

Encourage your child to use a cup around their first birthday.

Help your child brush their teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Medical Reviewers:

Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Michael Kapner MD
Rita Sather RN
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From the First Tooth

Resources for parents & caregivers.

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

What will happen at the first dental visit.

Your child will sit in your lap
The parent will sit facing the dentist or dental hygienist.
The child will lie facing you with his or her head in the dentist or dental hygienist’s lap.
You will be able to hold hands with and talk to your child.
Your child may fuss or cry, but that is ok. It makes it easier to see inside the baby’s mouth. The exam will be over in just a few minutes.
Click here to read more about the Age 1 dental visit.

If your child is older, he or she may sit in the dental chair for a gentle exam

During your visit, the dentist or hygienist may:.

Clean your child’s teeth
Provide a fluoride treatment
Perform an x-ray
Make suggestions on how to best care for your child’s mouth
Schedule you for your child’s next appointment

Getting and Losing Teeth

When teeth start to appear.

Baby teeth usually start to appear between 4-7 months of age. The lower teeth usually come in first. Once your baby’s teeth appear, it is time to start brushing them with a smear of fluoride toothpaste on an infant sized toothbrush. A smear of toothpaste is the size of a grain of rice.
At 4 years old, your child’s jaw and facial bones will likely grow to make space between the baby teeth so that adult teeth have room to come in.

Losing Teeth

Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, your child will start losing baby teeth. During these years, your child’s smile will have both adult and baby teeth. When teeth fall out, they can fall out in any order.
Tooth Eruption Chart

Adult Teeth

Usually the middle teeth (central incisors) are the first to come out around age 6 to 7 years.
The ones on the sides of the middle teeth (lateral incisors) come out around age 7 or 8.
Molars and canines can be lost at any time after age 8, and will be gone by age 9 to 12.
Around age 12 years, your child will have a set of 28 permanent, adult teeth.
Be sure to inspect your child’s teeth for signs of decay. If you see something that concerns you, call a dentist right away.

FTFT is funded by the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation , Northeast Delta Dental and the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration .

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Way to Grow

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare yourself

Prepare the dentist

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Protect your children's teeth at home

Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Only put breastmilk or formula in bottles. Don't give children a bottle of juice, soft drinks, or sweetened liquid.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Children should finish bottles before going to sleep.

Encourage your child to use a cup around their first birthday.

Help your child brush their teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Reviewed Date: 04-01-2023

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When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

First tooth. first birthday. first dental appointment..

As a mom or dad to your little one, you get to experience so many ‘firsts’ right alongside them. Their first word, first day of school, and even their first dental appointment. We want to make your child’s first trip to the dentist a fun and memorable one that sets the tone of healthy habits your child will retain for a lifetime.

How old should my child be when they visit the dentist?

A common question new parents ask is, “How soon should I take my child to the dentist?” According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists , it’s recommended that kids go in for their first oral health checkup when their baby teeth first begin to emerge or by the time their first birthday comes around. Though it may seem early, this visit is essential to ensure your child doesn’t have any signs of gum or tooth decay and that their teeth are erupting and developing properly. Baby teeth can begin emerging as early as six months, so make sure their dental appointment isn’t far behind!

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, yet it is almost always entirely preventable? Often times, kids will come in for their first appointment at three or four years old with cavities and tooth decay that could have been prevented with a routine checkup. That’s why it’s so important to start them young!

What should I expect at my child’s first visit to the dentist?

Our doctors and staff take extra care to make sure your child has fun at their dental visit and that they’re as comfortable as possible. If your child is nervous about their first dental appointment, we always welcome parents to bring their child by our office to take a look around, meet the staff, and get acclimated to our clinic before your visit with us! If you think this would help your child, feel free to give us a call to schedule a tour of our office.

At your child’s dental appointment, a hygienist will:

Examine and clean your baby’s teeth
Show you how to play a role in properly cleaning your baby’s teeth (we know it’s not always easy with those tiny little mouths!),
Discuss diet and fluoride needs
Recommend oral care products.

Your dentist will then join you and your baby. They will:

Examine your baby’s mouth closely to check for any tooth decay
Share any concerns they may have regarding your baby’s oral development.
Answer all of your questions regarding your baby’s teeth and oral development.

At your child’s first dental appointment, the doctor may conduct what we call a knee-to-knee exam . This technique will help your child feel even more comfortable since they’ll be laid in your lap as we go through their oral health checkup. Your baby’s visit will conclude by us providing a patient dental health bag, complete with a specially-sized infant or toddler toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Find out more about what to expect when accompanying your child to their dental checkup . Online Form – CDH – Organic

Ready to get your child’s smile on track?

To schedule your child’s first appointment, give us a call at 1-(866) KIDS-DENTAL .

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Your Child's First Dental Visit - How to Prepare & What to Expect

How to Prepare
What to Expect
Tips for Success

Child's Oral Health at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatricians and dentists advise parents to take children to the dentist for the first time soon after their first tooth starts to come in. That is usually when infants are about 6 months old, although the timing varies from child to child.

Parents can prepare for that initial dental appointment in several ways, including talking about going to the dentist in positive ways and by promoting sound dental health by watching for bad habits that can start early.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

Experts in the dental field recommend taking your child to their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth appears and no later their first birthday. Children typically experience their first tooth eruption about six months of age, although the exact timing varies from child to child.

To prepare for this first visit, you want to plan the appointment in the morning, so your child is alert and fresh, although this is something that’s often easier said than done.

Like securing an appointment with the doctor, scheduling with a dentist can take months.

One strategy is to schedule an appointment for six or seven months after they are born and one month out, check to see if your child has a tooth ready for the dentist to examine. If not, move the appointment back one or two months. Often moving an appointment is easier than scheduling the initial one.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Scheduling the appointment in the morning is the best time for children to experience this event. To get them ready for the appointment, start talking to them in a positive way about what to expect at the dentists. You can also go through some practice steps, such as having them practice opening their mouth for the dentist to look at their teeth.

Another good way to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to read books or watch videos about first visits. These items can help prevent your child from becoming afraid of dental visits. There are ways parents can prepare themselves as well.

When you make the first appointment for your baby or young child, ask any questions you have about the visit. It will save time when you arrive with your child if your questions are answered, instead of delaying your child's checkup with the dentist. To prepare for your questions, make a list of them, such as:

Teething questions about how to handle this time with your child

If your child sucks their thumb, ask any questions you might have about how this affects their teeth or mouth

If your child is still using a pacifier, ask any questions you might have on the effects of this in your child's mouth

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

During your child’s initial visit, the dentist can give you information about things to keep an eye on before the second visit and beyond. Among them:

Finger-sucking habits

Baby-bottle tooth decay

Pacifier habits

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Throughout your child’s time in the exam/cleaning room, you can hold your child on your lap if they are nervous or afraid of sitting alone in the big chair.

For the bulk of the visit the dentist will spend time examining your child’s teeth and jaw and how they are developing. The dentist will also look for any cavities, gum and mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist will clean your child's teeth.

Dentists and their hygienists are used to children who squirm, wiggle, twitch and cry. Remember: this is a new and potentially scary experience for kids. Unless they happen to see another child in the lobby while waiting to get called back, the child may be surrounded only by adults, adding to the fear factor.

Tips for a Successful First Dental Visit

Here are some tips to help with your child's first visit to the dentist:

Schedule the appointment during the morning hours and, if possible, during a time you know your child will be rested and more cooperative.

When you think about the appointment, you need to think of it as a positive experience. If you have a good outlook on it, your feelings will extend to your child.

Remember that you and the dentist are a team, and you should work with them to keep your child calm and happy.

Before leaving for the appointment, feed your child a light meal and have them brush their teeth.

Don't give snacks until after the appointment. You want to minimize any debris left in their mouths or on their teeth for the exam.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are one the most common diseases for American children. If tooth decay goes untreated, it will cause significant infections and pain for kids. Untreated cavities can also lead to other serious problems, such as:

Studies have shown that children with poor oral health miss more school than children who practice good oral health practices.

Tips for Good Oral Health for Children

Oral health at home is important for your baby's and young child's health, both physically and orally. If you have a baby, you can follow these tips to maintain your baby's oral health:

Two times a day wipe your baby's gums with a soft cloth. Do this once in the morning after their first feeding, and then again before bed. This process will remove bacteria and sugars that can lead to cavities in developing teeth.

When your baby's teeth start to come in or erupt, begin brushing them twice a day. Use a small-bristled, soft toothbrush with plain water.

Provide your baby with drinking water that has fluoride.

Talk to both your doctor and dentist about having fluoride varnish or dental sealants on your child's teeth. Ask them when this process should be done.

If your child is younger than 6, you should monitor them when they brush their teeth and help if needed. They should be placing a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their brush, and spit it out, not swallow it. Continue monitoring them until they have developed good brushing skills.

If your child is younger than the age of 2, talk to your doctor or dentist about using toothpaste with fluoride in them.

If your drinking water does not have sufficient fluoride in it to prevent cavities (0.7 milligrams per liter) ask your dentist if your child needs oral fluoride supplements. Fluoride supplements come in lozenges, tablets, or drop form. If you don’t know your fluoride levels, you can call your water utility company and ask or request a copy of their recent “consumer confidence report.”

You should plan your child's first dental visit after you see their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. Children’s teeth tend to erupt about six months after birth.

During your child's first dental visit, the dentist will examine their teeth and mouth to ensure they are developing the way they should. The dentist will also look for any cavities, mouth injuries and other oral issues.

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Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

You and your baby managed to survive the first round of teething ! Congratulations! But what do you do now that your precious nugget’s adorable little first chompers have finally emerged? Yes, brush them, but are dental visits really in the cards already? If you’re unsure you’re not alone! Here’s your guide to when to make that first appointment…and what to expect once you get there.

When do children need to visit the dentist for the first time?

Sooner than you think! Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that your kiddo be examined by a dentist soon after their first tooth erupts…or within six months of their first birthday. Unfortunately, studies show that the average age when children actually first visit the dentist is three years old!

Perhaps this is because some parents are confused as to why a baby would need to see a dentist when their smile is only sporting one or two teeth . Here’s why:

Quells fears. When children visit the dentist early, they learn not to fear the dentist, which makes those future appointments go smoother.

Learn about dental care. Tots can learn early dental care habits that’ll help keep their teeth clean, healthy, and—fingers crossed—cavity-free.

Spot problems early. When dentists catch potential problems early, they can intervene before those issues become more serious.

Do children need to see a pediatric dentist?

Need? No. General dentists who enjoy kids can be a perfect fit. Just know that a pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and they only treat the smallest of patients. General dentists have about five weeks of training in treating kids.

How to prepare for your baby or toddler’s first dental visit:

Here’s the thing: Your tot has no reason to fear the dentist…they ’ ve never visited one before! So, it’s up to you to set the stage for a positive experience. Here are some ways to do just that:

Get the timing right. Choose an appointment time for when your child is at their most alert, happy...and well fed. That means it’s best to avoid the dentist during nap or feeding times, when kiddos will likely be hungry and fussy.

Call ahead. Waiting is hard for little ones. Before you head out the door, make sure your dentist is on schedule.

Give a preview. If your child is old enough, talk about what they can expect, like the cool dental chair that goes up in the air and the fun sunglasses they get to wear. You can also play dentist at home, so your child can get used to someone looking at their pearly whites up close.

Do this ahead of time. To make that first appointment go off without a hitch, see if you can fill out any paperwork before the appointment so you can focus solely on your tot during the visit.

What happens at the first dental appointment?

Your tyke’s first visit to the dentist is primarily a meet-and-greet to get everyone acquainted. You can expect the appointment to last around 30 minutes, and you’ll spend most of your time answering questions about the following:

Family dentist history
Pacifier use
Bottle and breastfeeding schedules and habits
Oral hygiene
Sleeping habits

Your child’s dentist will also give a quick, no-stress first exam. Typically, your first-timer can sit on your lap while you lounge in the dental chair. This can work wonders for keeping littles calm, especially if they are nervous about a near-stranger peering into their mouth. During the exam, the dentist will:

Count teeth

Check for cavities and other dental issues

Assess development by looking at jaw, bite, gums, tongue, and the roof of your kiddo’s mouth

Clean teeth with a soft toothbrush if plaque is found to demonstrate brushing technique

Discuss a home dental-hygiene routine

Your child’s dentist might also offer a fluoride varnish treatment, which can help prevent, slow down, or stop tooth decay. (Fluoride is a mineral that works to strengthen tooth enamel.) The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that primary care physicians apply a fluoride varnish to all infants and toddlers starting when their first tooth appears (and through the age of 5), but if your child’s doctor hasn’t mentioned it, ask your pediatric dentist about it.

How often do toddlers need to go to the dentist?

Just like you, children should see a dentist once every six months. For toddlers, especially those who fear the dentist, it may be beneficial to inquire about visiting the dentist once every three months to establish trust and confidence.

Got more teeth questions? Here's help!

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

When To Take Your Child To The Dentist For The First Time

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

A small girl is smiling while sitting on a dental chair as the dentist stands behind her

As a new parent, your baby isn't the only one experiencing the world for the first time. You're experiencing a lot of new things, too! Like going to regular dental visits... for someone else . Even if you feel comfortable and confident about your own oral health, a lot of questions may start to arise surrounding dental visits for your little one. If you're unsure of when to take your child to the dentist for the first time and what to expect from your visit, we'll give you some key info about caring for your infant's oral hygiene that you can both smile about.

When Should You Plan Your Child's First Visit?

If you see a tooth, it's time! That's right; you should take your little one to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that usually happens at about 6 months old. Regardless of when your child's first tooth erupts, don't wait until after their first birthday to make an appointment.

Also, if you notice anything that looks abnormal in your child's mouth (white spots, lesions, bleeding, etc.), make an appointment right away.

Why Start Taking Your Child to the Dentist So Early?

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) , tooth decay affects nearly 1 in 5 children under 5. By catching any developing conditions early, your dental professional will be able to diagnose and treat them effectively. They will do what they can to ensure your baby is set up to have a healthy smile for life. Your pediatric dentist will be able to check for tooth decay, injuries, and other issues during your visit and will be able to track changes in your baby's mouth as they age.

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

You may want to bring your child to your personal dentist, but there are various reasons to go to a pediatric dentist instead. They specialize in growing children with little mouths and tend to know how to make a frightening experience for some kids a lot of fun.

The special-sized dental equipment for exams is also important. The exam room decor should be appealing to youngsters too, like brightly colored wall paint and engaging murals. Games, kids' magazines, and perhaps a fish tank in the waiting area go a long way toward easing uncertainty and apprehension.

Pediatric dentists work hard to keep the smiles of kids bright and healthy. When a dental visit is a positive experience, children may be happy to return every six months for their checkup. And for that, you will be smiling, too.

How To Prepare for Your Baby’s First Dentist Visit

Even before your baby's pearly whites make their first appearance, it's important to gently clean their gums with a cloth (or gauze) and water, especially after breastfeeding. You can use a soft toothbrush designed for children's mouths as well, but don't start using fluoridated toothpaste until your child is at least 2 years old. When teeth are forming, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fluoride use can cause fluorosis. Fluorosis can cause spots on teeth, discoloration, and in severe forms, can even create pits in teeth. Having a gum-cleaning routine will accustom your child very early to a daily dental routine and help your infant be more comfortable at their first dentist visit.

Other steps you can take to prepare for your baby's first visit include:

Showing videos to your child about first dental visits, so it's not an entirely new experience.
Filling out paperwork ahead of your visit, so you and your baby aren't stuck in the waiting room for too long.
Coming up with a list of questions you may have about practicing good oral hygiene for your baby.

What To Expect When You Take Your Baby to the Dentist

During your baby's first visit, you'll be in the room with them. If they are squirming or won't sit still in the dental chair, the dental professional may even have them sit on your lap to make the experience as comfortable as possible. They will perform a routine examination, looking for tooth decay, and checking your child's gums, jaw, and bite, and looking for frenum issues or other problems that may affect teeth or speech patterns. Then they'll carefully clean your baby's teeth and gums, advise you on how best you can properly care for your child's mouth, and then they will answer any questions you may have.

Most dental professionals recommend coming in for appointments at least twice a year, but ask your pediatric dentist what they recommend for your child's individual needs. There's a lot to think about as a new parent, and a pediatric dentist will be able to guide you and your child in the coming years toward a lifetime of good oral health. Happy brushing!

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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When Should You Make Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment?

A baby with a birthday cake for their first birthday

Many parents don’t realize that babies and toddlers can get cavities, but they can and do. As soon as your child gets a tooth, that tooth can begin to decay. This is why it is so important to schedule a dental checkup for your baby when that first tooth comes in. In fact, the CDC , the American Academy of Pediatrics , the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry , and the American Dental Association all recommend that you bring your child in for a dental checkup no later than your child’s first birthday , even if no teeth have emerged yet. Surprised? Read on to learn more about

at what age your child should go to the dentist ,
whether you really need to take your baby to the dentist ,
what happens at your baby’s first dental checkup , and
whether you should take your baby to a pediatric dentist or a family dentist .

When Do Kids Start Going to the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you take your child to a pediatric dentist at the earliest of these two dates: (1) the date on which your child’s first tooth appears and (2) your child’s first birthday. That’s right — your child should go to the dentist when your child is still a baby.

Do You Really Need to Take Your Baby to the Dentist?

If bringing your child to the dentist no later than his or her first birthday seems early to you, consider this: more than 21% of American children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities, and children who visit the dentist by their first birthday may be less likely to have tooth decay than children who wait until they’re older. In fact, research suggests that, for each year past a child’s first birthday parents delay booking that first dental appointment, the child’s chances of getting tooth decay nearly doubles .

How can early visits to the dentist help reduce the risk of cavities in children? For starters, many parents don’t know what they don’t know about their baby’s oral health. Taking care of your child isn’t always intuitive, and unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding children’s oral health. As discussed in the next section , a baby’s first dental visit is the perfect opportunity for parents to learn how to properly care for their child’s teeth to avoid future cavities.

Additionally, if your child’s teeth are already beginning to show signs of early decay, your child’s dentist will be able to work with you to try to reverse that early decay before it develops into a cavity. The sooner you bring your child to the dentist, the better the chances of being able to reverse any tooth decay before it permanently damages your child’s tooth.

If a cavity has already developed, it is important to treat the cavity early. Tooth decay in young children is especially aggressive and, when left untreated, can destroy entire teeth and lead to serious infections relatively quickly. Because very young children cannot communicate their feelings easily, parents sometimes mistake pain caused by tooth decay for normal teething or other types of pain. Bringing your child to the dentist regularly, beginning no later than your child’s first birthday, can help ensure that any cavities are treated early so that your baby can be as healthy and comfortable as possible.

What Happens at Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment?

So, what exactly happens at a dental appointment for babies ? As you might expect, your child’s pediatric dentist will examine your baby’s teeth. The dentist will look not only for signs of tooth decay, but also for any conditions that may require special care. For instance, if your child has dental enamel defects , you might need to take extra precautions to prevent tooth decay.

For many patients, however, the first visit will end up being primarily an important educational opportunity for the parents. For example, your child’s pediatric dentist will teach you how to properly care for your baby’s teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for preventing cavities, but how are parents supposed to know how to clean a baby’s teeth properly? Of course, you can – and should! – read our articles about how to brush babies’ teeth and how to floss , but there truly is no substitute for in-person guidance. Your child’s pediatric dentist will demonstrate and guide you through the process of cleaning your baby’s teeth so that you can protect your child’s oral health as best as possible.

Your child’s pediatric dentist will also ask about eating habits and provide dietary counseling. Many parents are surprised by some of the ways in which foods and drinks affect their children’s oral health. For example, did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends against allowing your child to drink juice from a bottle or sippy cup ? Or that many teething biscuits contain sugar and can be harmful for babies’ teeth? Or that eating starchy foods like white bread can lead to cavities ? Discussing your child’s eating habits with a pediatric dentist early on is an excellent way to get personalized feedback and tips on how to encourage your child to eat in a tooth-friendly way.

Finally, your baby’s first dental appointment is a wonderful opportunity for you to get answers to all of your oral-health-related questions. Are you having trouble weaning your child from pacifiers ? Not sure how to help relieve your child’s teething pains ? This is the perfect time to get guidance from a professional!

Should You Take Your Baby to a Pediatric Dentist or a Family Dentist?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist, the short answer is this: A family dentist is a general dentist, whereas a pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who, after graduating from dental school, went on to complete two years of advanced training in areas including advanced pediatric surgical procedures, child psychology and behavior management, pediatric sedation dentistry and pediatric pharmacology.

Pediatric dentists treat only children and are experts in child-related dental issues. Studies have found that many general dentists have never received hands-on training in infant oral exams and that not all general dentists feel comfortable working with very young children. In contrast, pediatric dentists are specially trained to diagnose, treat and educate parents on oral health issues in infants.

For more information, check out our articles about the differences between pediatric dentists and family dentists and tips for choosing the best pediatric dentist for your child .

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in Dallas/Fort Worth

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry’s Dr. Jin Lin is a board-certified pediatric dentist with significant experience working with infants and toddlers. To make an appointment for your baby or toddler’s first dental checkup, call us today at 817-510-6400 or request an appointment online!

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry is located in Hurst, Texas, and provides dental checkups for babies and children from Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills , Colleyville , Keller, Southlake, Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding area.

This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY:

Dr. Jin Lin

Doctor Jin Lin, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Jin Lin is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a passion for helping children achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. After graduating cum laude from dental school, he completed his post-doctoral pediatric dentistry training at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he served as chief resident and worked with children with a wide variety of special medical and dental needs, including children with rare syndromes.

What Happens At Your Baby’s First Dental Visit?

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Children's Dentistry

Tooth decay often begins at an early age, making young children particularly susceptible. Nearly half of children between the ages of 2-11 have experienced tooth decay while 32% of kids between the ages of 9-11 develop cavities in their permanent teeth. Major contributing factors to this public health problem include baby formula with added sugar and heavily-sugared fruit juices. Even breast milk can cause cavities in baby teeth because of the natural sugars present.

Care for baby teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. We recommend that you bring your child in for an exam no later than his or her first birthday. Regular six-month checkups will put kids on a schedule like most adults, establishing a routine that will last a lifetime.

The following early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before their first dental visit:

Your baby's teeth should always be rinsed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients.

Try to wean your child off bottle feeding by their first birthday. This helps avoid decay and minimizes the chance of jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Even if it’s barely poking through the gum, a tooth can develop decay if not cleaned properly. Start by brushing with a soft bristled brush and water and ask your dentist when it's ok to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.

Help your child brush and remember that kids don’t have the dexterity to clean their teeth on their own until after they can tie their shoes.

Don't give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime.

If you do choose to offer sugary beverages, have your child use a straw, so the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.

Try to limit the overall sugary foods your child eats and drinks.

Moscow Location

Guiding you and your child through superior pediatric dentistry in moscow, id., our idaho office, welcome to palouse pediatric dentistry., palouse pediatric dentistry - moscow, id.

Address: 1246 West A Street Moscow, ID 83843

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(208) 882-9999

Directions: We’re conveniently located across from the Logos School gym, and we have on-site parking.

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Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Pullman Office only)

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Moscow Office only)

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Kid-Friendly Dentistry in Moscow

Discover a better dentist experience for your family..

Our exciting kid-friendly office, along with the specialized staff, helps ensure children feel relaxed from the moment they walk into our office.

Below are just a few of the reasons why you should schedule your next dentist visit with us:

Convenience

We work with you from beginning to end to ensure your child’s visit to the dentist is a smooth experience. Plus, you can access your paperwork online to save time in the office.

Fun & Educational

Our modern dental office is filled with fun decor and comforts designed to get children excited about going to the dentist. We help kids build a lifetime of good dental habits in a fun and informative way.

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Sure, we’re fun, but when it comes to your child’s oral health, we’re serious about helping them maintain a healthy and happy smile. Dr. Karen …Learn more about our dentist… uses the latest techniques and technology for amazing results.

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What do we offer... (in addition, to fun, laughter, and more fun)..

Palouse Pediatric Dentistry serves children of all ages along with special needs children and adults. We’ll always listen to your concerns with understanding and genuine compassion before offering the ideal treatment option for your child.

Our services include:

Comprehensive Exams & Restorative Care

Oral Hygiene

General Anesthesia

In addition to our pediatric dentistry and special needs dentistry services, we educate patients and parents with an emphasis on proper dental hygiene and preventative care.

Nicole L. (Patient’s Mom)

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Our team works tirelessly to make your visit simple. here are some of the options we provide:, online forms.

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Our pediatric dentist practice offers multiple payment options, including:

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Our Moscow, ID pediatric dentist office accepts most dental insurance providers for your child’s visit.

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Hungary's leader is in Ukraine. It's the first visit by Russia’s top EU ally since the war began

Ukraine Hungary In this photo issued by the Hungarian PM's Press Office Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hold a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Zoltan Fischer/Hungarian PM's Press Office/MTI via AP) (Zoltan Fischer/AP)

KYIV, Ukraine — (AP) — During his first visit to neighboring Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Tuesday that the ongoing war was "the most important issue for Europe."

Known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest European Union ally , Orbán's visit was a rare gesture in a tumultuous relationship between the two countries as Budapest has repeatedly broken ranks with the rest of the European Union and leaned toward Moscow.

The Hungarian prime minister has routinely blocked, delayed or watered down EU efforts to extend assistance to Ukraine and to sanction Moscow over its war, frustrating both Zelenskyy and other EU leaders.

Meanwhile, on the war's front line, Kyiv's forces are scrambling to hold at bay a Russian push in eastern Ukraine. Delays in the provision of crucial Western military aid left the Ukrainian army at the mercy of the Kremlin's bigger and better-equipped forces.

In a sign of still frosty relations, Zelenskyy did not publicly acknowledge Orbán’s visit until hours after his arrival, posting on social media platform X that the two had discussed trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure and energy.

However, the Ukrainian president’s office released a video showing Zelenskyy thanking Orbán for his visit and welcoming him to the country after shaking hands and then sitting across from each other at a round table with Hungarian, Ukrainian and EU flags in the background.

The two countries have had a tense relationship since the war started with Orbán portraying himself as a champion for peace and calling for an immediate cease-fire and peace talks without expanding on what that would mean for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

This visit comes the day after Hungary took over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU, a position that has little real power but can be used to set the tone of the bloc's agenda. Hungarian officials have indicated that they will act as "honest brokers" in the role despite worries from some EU lawmakers that Hungary's democratic track record makes it unfit to lead the bloc.

Orbán’s press chief, Bertalan Havasi told Hungarian news agency MTI early Tuesday the meeting would be an opportunity to build peace as Ukraine fights off Russia’s invasion.

During his visit, the Hungarian prime minister told Zelenskyy: “This is war and peace, war between Russia and Ukraine, the invasion of Russia against Ukraine.” He added that the war “is the real issue. My target is to be here to understand how we could be helpful to Ukraine in the forthcoming six months.”

The Hungarian premier, a self-described adherent of “illiberal democracy,” has long been accused by his European partners of dismantling democratic institutions at home and acting as an obstinate spoiler of key EU policy priorities. The bloc has frozen more than $20 billion in funding to Budapest over alleged rule-of-law and corruption violations, and Orbán has conducted numerous anti-EU campaigns depicting it as an overcentralized, repressive organization.

Orbán has also long accused Kyiv of mistreating an ethnic Hungarian minority in Ukraine's western region of Zakarpattia, a community he has used to justify his refusal to provide weapons to Ukraine or allow their transfer across the two countries' shared border.

His visit comes as he seeks to recruit members into a new nationalist alliance that he hopes will soon become the largest right-wing group in the European Parliament. On Sunday, Orbán met in Vienna with the leaders of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party and the main Czech opposition party, announcing the formation of the new group, “Patriots for Europe."

The trio would need to attract lawmakers from at least four more EU countries to successfully form a group in Europe's new parliament, which held elections in June. Right-wing nationalist parties across Europe strengthened their position in the elections, but ideological differences over the war in Ukraine and cooperation with Russia have often prevented deeper alliances among some of the parties.

Spike reported from Budapest, Hungary.

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France24 (Video)

'Something small but real': Orban meets Zelensky in Kyiv as first trip under EU Presidency

Posted: July 2, 2024 | Last updated: July 2, 2024

During his first visit to neighbouring Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told President Volodymyr Zelensky that the war was Europe's “most important issue,” and recommended an immediate ceasefire. Yet Ukraine has repeatedly rejected calls for a pause in fighting, which it says would just give Russia time to regroup for a fresh assault. Meanwhile, Zelensky urged Hungary's Moscow-friendly prime minister to join Ukraine's "relevant" efforts to bring peace involving a wide array of international partners. For in-depth analysis on their major war-time meeting, FRANCE 24's François Picard is joined by Marton Dunai, Financial Times South-East Europe correspondent.

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Orlando Cepeda, the Hall of Fame first baseman nicknamed 'Baby Bull,' dies at 86

SAN FRANCISCO — Orlando Cepeda, the slugging first baseman nicknamed "Baby Bull" who became a Hall of Famer among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues, has died. He was 86.

The San Francisco Giants and his family announced the death Friday night and a moment of silence was held as his photo showed on the scoreboard at Oracle Park midway through a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home this evening, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones," his wife, Nydia, said in a statement released through the team. "We take comfort that he is at peace."

Cepeda was a regular at Giants home games through the 2017 season until he dealt with some health challenges. He was hospitalized in the Bay Area in February 2018 following a cardiac event.

One of the first Puerto Rican stars in the majors but limited by knee issues, he became Boston’s first designated hitter and credits his time as a DH for getting him enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1999 as selected by the Veteran’s Committee.

"Orlando Cepeda’s unabashed love for the game of baseball sparkled during his extraordinary playing career, and later as one of the game’s enduring ambassadors," Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark said. "We will miss his wonderful smile at Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, where his spirit will shine forever, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the Cepeda family."

When the Red Sox called Cepeda in December 1972 to inquire whether he’d like to be their first designated hitter, the unemployed player accepted on the spot.

"Boston called and asked me if I was interested in being the DH, and I said yes," Cepeda recalled in a 2013 interview with The Associated Press in the 40th year of the DH. "The DH got me to the Hall of Fame. The rule got me to the Hall of Fame."

He didn’t know what it would mean for his career, acknowledging, "I didn’t know anything about the DH."" The experiment worked out beautifully for Cepeda, who played in 142 games that season — the second-to-last in a decorated 17-year major league career. The A’s had released Cepeda only months after acquiring him from Atlanta on June 29, 1972.

Cepeda was celebrated at Fenway Park on May 8, 2013, for a ceremony celebrating his role as designated hitter. The Red Sox had invited him for their first home series of the season but his former Giants franchise was honoring the reigning World Series champions at the same time.

"It means a lot," Cepeda said then. "Amazing. When you think everything’s finished, it’s only the beginning."

He said then-A’s owner Charlie Finley sent him a telegram to call him within a 24-hour period or he’d be released. Cepeda didn’t meet the deadline and was let go in December 1972. He played in only three games for Oakland after the A’s acquired him for pitcher Denny McLain. Cepeda was placed on the disabled list with a left knee injury. He had 10 knee operations in all, sidelining him four different years.

Cepeda had been a first baseman and outfielder before joining the first class of baseball’s designated hitters under the new American League rule.

"They were talking about only doing it for three years," he said. "And people still don’t like the idea of the DH. They said it wouldn’t last."

The addition of the DH opened new opportunities for players such as Cepeda and others from his era who could still produce at the plate late in their careers but no longer played the field with the spot-on defense of their primes.

Cepeda was thrilled to have another chance.

He hit .289 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs in 1973, starting off strongly with a .333 average and five homers in April. He drove in 23 runs in August on the way to DH of the Year honors. On Aug. 8 at Kansas City, Cepeda hit four doubles.

"That was one of the best years," Cepeda recalled, "because I was playing on one leg and I hit .289. And I hit four doubles in one game. Both my knees were hurting, and I was designated hitter of the year."

Cepeda topped Baltimore’s Tommy Davis (.306, seven homers, 89 RBIs) and Minnesota’s Tony Oliva (.291, 16 HRs, 92 RBIs) for top D.H. honors.

"It wasn’t easy for me to win the award," Cepeda said. "They had some great years."

Cepeda also knew little English when he arrived in the minor leagues in the mid-1950s, putting him among the first wave of Spanish-speaking players thrown into a different culture to play professional baseball, build new lives and send money back home.

It was an opportunity to succeed in a sport he loved, as long as daunting challenges off the field could be overcome.

Early on, Cepeda was told by a manager to go home to Puerto Rico and learn English before coming back to his career in the U.S.

"Coming here my first year, everything was a novelty to me, a surprise,” Cepeda recalled in a 2014 interview with the AP. "When I came to Virginia, I was there for one month and my father died. My dad said, ‘I want to see my son play pro ball,’ and he died the day before I played my first game in Virginia."

"From there I went to Puerto Rico and when I came back here, I had to come back because we didn’t have no money and my mother said, 'You’ve got to go back and send me money, we don’t have money to eat,'" he said.

Cepeda had continued to be encouraged watching so many young players from Latin America arriving in the United States with better English skills, thanks in large part to all 30 major league organizations putting more emphasis into such training through academies in the Dominican and Venezuela.

There also are English classes offered to young players during spring training and into extended spring, plus through the various levels of the minor leagues.

He had his troubles, too.

Cepeda was arrested in May 2007 after being pulled him over for speeding when officers discovered drugs in the car.

The California Highway Patrol officer arrested Cepeda after finding a "usable" amount of a white-powder substance that likely was methamphetamine or cocaine, while marijuana and a syringe were also discovered.

After his playing career ended, Cepeda was convicted in 1976 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, of smuggling marijuana and sentenced to five years in prison.

That conviction was probably one reason he was not elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Cepeda eventually was elected by the Veterans Committee in 1999.

Cepeda played first base during his 17 seasons in the majors, beginning with the Giants. He also spent time with St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland, Boston and Kansas City. In the spring of 1969, Cepeda was traded by the Cardinals to the Braves for Joe Torre.

A seven-time All-Star who played in three World Series, Cepeda was the 1958 NL Rookie of the Year with San Francisco and NL MVP in 1967 with St. Louis, a city sad to see him go in that trade that brought Torre to town. In 1961, Cepeda led the NL with 46 homers and 142 RBIs. Cepeda was a .297 career hitter with 379 home runs.

It wasn’t until after that 1973 season as DH that Cepeda could look back and appreciate all he had accomplished that year — along with the big part he played in history and change in the sport.

"I just did it," he said of learning the DH. "Every day, I say to myself, how lucky I am to be born with the skills to play ball."

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News Analysis

Russia Sends Waves of Troops to the Front in a Brutal Style of Fighting

More than 1,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine were killed or wounded on average each day in May, according to NATO and Western military officials.

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The rusted out top of a Russian tank with a tree, a green field and cloudy sky in the background.

By Julian E. Barnes , Eric Schmitt and Marc Santora

Julian E. Barnes and Eric Schmitt reported from Washington, and Marc Santora from Kyiv, Ukraine.

May was a particularly deadly month for the Russian army in Ukraine, with an average of more than 1,000 of its soldiers injured or killed each day, according to U.S., British and other Western intelligence agencies.

But despite its losses, Russia is recruiting 25,000 to 30,000 new soldiers a month — roughly as many as are exiting the battlefield, U.S. officials said. That has allowed its army to keep sending wave after wave of troops at Ukrainian defenses, hoping to overwhelm them and break through the trench lines.

It is a style of warfare that Russian soldiers have likened to being put into a meat grinder, with commanding officers seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are sending infantry soldiers to die.

At times, this approach has proved effective, bringing the Russian army victories in Avdiivka and Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. But Ukrainian and Western officials say the tactics were less successful this spring, as Russia tried to take land near the city of Kharkiv.

American officials said that Russia achieved a critical objective of President Vladimir V. Putin, creating a buffer zone along the border to make it more difficult for the Ukrainians to strike into the country.

But the drive did not threaten Kharkiv and was ultimately stopped by Ukrainian defenses, according to Western officials.

“President Putin and Moscow have really tried to make big gains, to break through the front lines this spring,” Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general, said in an interview with The New York Times editorial board. “They tried and they failed. They made very small gains, and they are paying a very high price.”

Russian casualties have spiked at other times, especially during the assaults on Avdiivka and Bakhmut. But the assaults on those cities were spread out over several months. The push in May, both outside Kharkiv and along the eastern front, involved more intense periods of Russian wave attacks. British military intelligence analysts said Russia’s casualties in May, which they put at an average of 1,200 a day , were the highest of the war.

The fighting last month decimated the town of Vovchansk, about 40 miles from Kharkiv, where Ukrainian and Russian are engaged in a grueling battle for control.

Russian soldiers have said on Telegram, the social media and messaging platform, that their units are suffering high casualties. Some say their ranks are being cut down by drones, machine gun fire and artillery barrages.

Russia’s use of infantry in wave attacks reflects one of its advantages in the war: Its population is much larger than Ukraine’s, giving it a bigger pool of potential recruits.

But the casualties have forced Russia to ship new recruits to Ukraine relatively quickly, meaning that the soldiers sent to the front are poorly trained.

The lack of structured training, and the need to commit new recruits to combat operations, has limited Russia’s ability to generate more capable units. It also increases casualties.

But it is more complicated than that. The changing nature of modern warfare has also increased the body count in recent months.

Ubiquitous drones have made it easy for both sides to spot, and target, enemy forces. And mines and cluster munitions make movement across open ground a nearly suicidal endeavor.

Since Mr. Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 350,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III recently said. British estimates put the number of Russians killed or wounded at more than 500,000.

U.S. estimates of casualties in the war are based on satellite imagery, communication intercepts, social media and news media dispatches from reporters, as well as official reporting from Russia and Ukraine. But such estimates vary, even within the U.S. government.

Reliable estimates of Ukraine’s casualties are more difficult to come by. Ukrainian officials guard those numbers carefully. Several U.S. officials insist they do not have an accurate account. Mr. Zelensky has said that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the first two years of the war, but American officials say that number appears to understate Ukraine’s losses.

Russia conducted a partial mobilization in September 2022, which led to tens of thousands of young men fleeing the country. But Western intelligence analysts say Russia will not need to conduct another such mobilization or draft this year.

Russia appears to be able to sustain its current campaign by offering financial incentives to recruits, drawing on convicts and bringing in some Russian mercenaries from Africa.

But the major question for this year will be whether Russia’s current strategy can best the Ukrainian military, which is finding its defensive footing. Arms and ammunition from a new $60 billion U.S. aid package are finally reaching the front lines, and Ukrainian commanders are no longer having to ration rounds. Russia still outguns Ukraine, but not by as much.

Ukraine has shifted its posture, building fortifications and laying minefields to slow the Russian advance. War favors the defender, and Ukraine is focusing on holding its lines, American officials said.

“What I see is a slowing of the Russians’ advance and a stabilizing of that particular piece of the front,” Mr. Austin told reporters in Brussels this month. “A couple of weeks ago, there was concern that we would see a significant breakthrough on the part of the Russians. I don’t think we’ll see that going forward.”

And Russia’s new buffer zone at the border near Kharkiv may be a hollow achievement.

Ukraine has still been able to use longer-range American weapons to strike into Russia because of a policy shift by the Biden administration that allows the Ukrainian military to use U.S. missiles to strike military targets just over the border .

American officials said the change is beginning to have an impact, taking out Russian artillery and making it harder for Moscow to strike against Kharkiv.

The result, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said this month, was that the Kharkiv offensive had proved to be “yet another mistake for Russia.”

“The destruction of Russian terrorists’ positions and launchers by our forces, our warriors, near the border really matters,” he said . “It is working. Exactly as we expected.”

But for all of Ukraine’s success around Kharkiv, there are more challenges ahead. In the weeks to come, U.S. and Western officials expect the fighting to shift back to the east and the south, as Russia continues to appear willing to expend forces to make incremental gains.

Julian E. Barnes covers the U.S. intelligence agencies and international security matters for The Times. He has written about security issues for more than two decades. More about Julian E. Barnes

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Marc Santora has been reporting from Ukraine since the beginning of the war with Russia. He was previously based in London as an international news editor focused on breaking news events and earlier the bureau chief for East and Central Europe, based in Warsaw. He has also reported extensively from Iraq and Africa. More about Marc Santora

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

U.S. officials raised the security alert level at military bases in Europe in response to vague threats from the Kremlin over Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons on Russian territory.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, one of the few European leaders who maintains warm relations with Moscow, arrived in Ukraine for his first wartime visit to the nation .

Ukraine’s security service said that it had foiled yet another Russian plot to stir public unrest and then use the ensuing turmoil to topple the government.

Evading Conscription: Fearful of a one-way ticket to bloody trench warfare, some Ukrainian men are spending their days holed up at home to avoid draft officers who roam the streets.

Inside Russia’s Chechen Units: After hundreds of years of enmity with Russia, Chechens are deploying to Ukraine to fight Moscow’s war .

Narrowing Press Freedoms: Journalists in Ukraine say they are subject to increasing restrictions and pressure from the government , adding that the measures go beyond wartime security needs.

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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First Dental Visit: When Should Baby Visit the Dentist?
When to schedule baby's first dental visit. It might sound early, but aim to schedule your baby's first dentist appointment at a pediatric dentist (or one who's good with children) within 6 months of the time he sprouts a tooth or turns a year old, whichever comes first, according to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric ...
A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle ...
My Child's First Dental Visit: What To Expect
Babies should see a dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first appearance of their first tooth, whichever comes first. Early and regular dental care is important to your baby's oral ...
Preparing Your Child for Their First Dentist Visit
The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. While it may sound early, starting at that age will start your baby on a path for great oral health and prevent a number of dental problems that can occur during childhood.
First Dental Visit for Baby
The dentist will examine your child to make sure their jaw and teeth are developing in the way they should. During the visit, you will be seated in the dental chair with your child on your lap if your child isn't able to — or doesn't want to — sit in the chair alone. The dentist will check for mouth injuries, cavities or other issues.
A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle ...
Your Child's First Dental Visit: What To Expect
Step 1: Schedule the Dental Appointment. Try to schedule your child's first dentist appointment when they will be the least fussy, and make sure they are well-rested and fed before you arrive. While making the appointment, you can also ask about completing health history forms in advance and if the office will need any additional information to ...
Preparing for your child's first dental visit
Give them every opportunity to enjoy their first visit. Explain why it's important to go to the dentist and how it keeps them healthy. Take time to answer any questions they may have. Try to schedule a morning appointment when your child is likely to be more awake and attentive. The day of the visit, go over what to expect one more time.
A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development.
Your Baby's First Dental Visit
Baby teeth usually start to appear between 4-7 months of age. The lower teeth usually come in first. Once your baby's teeth appear, it is time to start brushing them with a smear of fluoride toothpaste on an infant sized toothbrush. A smear of toothpaste is the size of a grain of rice. At 4 years old, your child's jaw and facial bones will ...
What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children have their first dental check-up by their first birthday. It may be hard to comprehend what would happen at the visit when there are only a few teeth in the mouth, but dental problems can begin early.
A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and ...
When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?
Examine your baby's mouth closely to check for any tooth decay; Share any concerns they may have regarding your baby's oral development. Answer all of your questions regarding your baby's teeth and oral development. At your child's first dental appointment, the doctor may conduct what we call a knee-to-knee exam. This technique will ...
Your Child's First Dental Visit
For the bulk of the visit the dentist will spend time examining your child's teeth and jaw and how they are developing. The dentist will also look for any cavities, gum and mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist will clean your child's teeth. Dentists and their hygienists are used to children who squirm, wiggle, twitch and cry.
Baby's First Dental Visit
Your tyke's first visit to the dentist is primarily a meet-and-greet to get everyone acquainted. You can expect the appointment to last around 30 minutes, and you'll spend most of your time answering questions about the following: Your child's dentist will also give a quick, no-stress first exam.
Tips For Baby's First Dental Visit
For these answers and more, Kurian shares her insights and tips for ensuring baby's first visit to the dentist is a successful one. Handling nerves ahead of a dental visit. Whether you're worried about your child's nerves ahead of that first visit, or are letting your own dentist-related anxieties creep through (no judgment here!), you ...
When To Take A Child To A Dentist For The First Time
The American Dental Association (ADA) says that usually happens at about 6 months old. Regardless of when your child's first tooth erupts, don't wait until after their first birthday to make an appointment. Also, if you notice anything that looks abnormal in your child's mouth (white spots, lesions, bleeding, etc.), make an appointment right away.
When To Take Your Baby To The Dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you take your child to a pediatric dentist at the earliest of these two dates: (1) the date on which your child's first tooth appears and (2) your child's first birthday. That's right — your child should go to the dentist when your child is still a baby. Schedule An Appointment.
What Happens At Your Baby's First Dental Visit?
While we don't use a one-size-fits-all approach to the first appointment and we'll let your infant or toddler set the pace, in general, here is what happens at your baby's first dental visit: 1. Receive a Warm Welcome. At your child's first dental visit, or any visit, they'll receive a warm welcome from our friendly team members.
Welcome New Patients
Preventative dental care helps ensure your child develops a beautiful and healthy smile. We invite you to schedule your child's first appointment once the teeth start showing or before his or her first birthday. As for those who are looking for a new pediatric dentist or special needs dentist, we're here to help, too.
Children's Dentistry
The following early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before their first dental visit: Your baby's teeth should always be rinsed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients.
Moscow ID Pediatric Dentist
Palouse Pediatric Dentistry - Moscow, ID. Address: 1246 West A Street Moscow, ID 83843. [email protected]. (208) 882-9999. Directions: We're conveniently located across from the Logos School gym, and we have on-site parking.
Haines Family Dentistry
Haines Family Dentistry. 921 Drinker Turnpike Moscow, PA 18444 (570) 842-4515. Haines Family Dentistry. Dr. Haines. Our Staff. Patient Information.
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Orlando Cepeda, the Hall of Fame first baseman nicknamed 'Baby Bull
SAN FRANCISCO — Orlando Cepeda, the slugging first baseman nicknamed "Baby Bull" who became a Hall of Famer among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues, has died. He was 86.
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When Should Baby Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Prepare your child

Prepare yourself

Prepare the dentist

The first visit

The second visit

Protect your children's teeth at home

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What to Expect

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Your Baby's First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit

Health Encyclopedia

Prepare your child

Prepare yourself

Prepare the dentist

The first visit

The second visit

Protect your children's teeth at home

From the First Tooth

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

If your child is older, he or she may sit in the dental chair for a gentle exam

Getting and Losing Teeth

Losing Teeth

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Prepare yourself

Prepare the dentist

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The second visit

Protect your children's teeth at home

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How old should my child be when they visit the dentist?

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Table of Contents

Child's Oral Health at Home

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

Tips for a Successful First Dental Visit

Tips for Good Oral Health for Children

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

When do children need to visit the dentist for the first time?

Do children need to see a pediatric dentist?

How to prepare for your baby or toddler’s first dental visit:

What happens at the first dental appointment?

How often do toddlers need to go to the dentist?

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