When should my child see the dentist?

The first visit: by the first birthday

Pediatric dental associations in Greece and the US agree: the first visit happens as soon as the first tooth appears and at the latest by the first birthday. Not because there is a problem – because that is when parents learn how to avoid one.

The visit is short and pleasant: a meeting, a quick look, advice on brushing, bottles, pacifiers and diet. The child links the clinic with something calm, long before anything more is ever needed.

How often: usually every 6 months

Children’s teeth have thinner enamel and decay moves much faster than in adults. A six-monthly check catches the start of decay while it can still be reversed with fluoride – without a filling.

• Every 6 months for most children
• Every 3–4 months if there has already been decay or there are braces
• Any time something worries you – we don’t wait for the appointment

Signs that say “book now”

• White or brown spots on the teeth that don’t brush off
• Pain with sweet, cold or hot food
• Gums that bleed or are swollen
• Bad breath that persists despite brushing
• The child chews only on one side
• A baby tooth that doesn’t fall out while the permanent one has already come through behind it
• A tooth that changed colour (darker) after a knock

Nancy’s tip

Pain in children comes late. When a child hurts, the decay is usually already deep. That is why the check-up happens before the pain, not because of it.

And if my child is scared?

Fear is the most common reason parents postpone. At our clinic the first visit of a scared child is a meeting only – no treatment. They play, sit in the chair, watch a film, we “count” the crocodile’s teeth. We move at their pace, however many visits it takes.

Children who would not open their mouth at other clinics get fillings here. Not by magic – with time, sensitivity and never being forced.

What to bring to the first visit

• The child’s health booklet
• A list of medicines or allergies
• Their favourite plush toy – it is welcome in the chair
• A good mood: talk about the appointment simply and positively, without the word “pain”