Your child’s first dental visit is a major milestone! And it’s one we take to heart since early experiences can shape how a child feels about dental care for life. 

At Kensington Square Dental in Burnaby, we specialize in creating positive, gentle, and fun dental experiences for kids. Whether it’s their first appointment or tenth, we make sure each visit is positive, gentle, and even fun.

If you’re a parent wondering when to book your child’s first appointment or how to prepare, we’ve put together an easy guide to help make the visit easy for both you and your little one.

When Should I Book My Child’s First Dentist Appointment?

It may surprise you, but the Canadian Dental Association recommends children visit the dentist within the first six months of their first tooth growing in, or by age one. 

A lot of parents think they’re supposed to wait until all of their child’s teeth have grown in, but early visits are better. They help your child get used to the dental environment and allow us to monitor their oral development from the start.

Why is it Important to Bring My Child to the Dentist When They Are Young?

Early dental appointments are about more than just checking for cavities. Here’s why they matter:

• Builds trust and comfort: Positive early experiences reduce dental anxiety later in life.
• Monitors development: We can spot early issues with teeth alignment or jaw growth.
• Prevents early childhood caries (tooth decay): Catching problems early prevents more serious issues down the road.
• Educates parents: We’ll show you how to clean your child’s teeth, choose the right toothbrush, and make oral hygiene part of your child’s daily routine.

How Can I Best Prepare My Kids For Their Dentist Visit?

A little preparation goes a long way! Here’s how to set the stage for a great experience:

• Book a morning appointment when your child is well-rested and fed.
• Stay calm and positive. kids take cues from their parents.
• Use positive language, avoid words like “hurt” or “pain.”
• Read books or watch videos about going to the dentist to build familiarity.

What Should My Kids And I Expect At Their First Dentist Visit?

At Kensington Square Dental, we make it a priority to ensure we create a warm, friendly environment for children visiting our clinic. We tailor our appointments to the individual child and strive to conduct the appointment at a pace they are comfortable with. Here’s what to expect:

• A warm welcome in our kid-friendly Burnaby dental clinic.
• A gentle exam to check their teeth, gums, and jaw development.
• Age-appropriate cleaning and fluoride treatment (if needed).
• A discussion with you about brushing, flossing, teething, nutrition, and habits like thumb sucking.

Ultimately, our goal for children’s visits is to ensure they are in good oral health while maintaining their comfort.

How Can I Help My Child Have A Positive Experience At The Dentist?

Creating a positive experience at the dentist is a great way to help promote good dental habits with your kids. Ideally, they would look forward to coming to the dentist, but barring that, we would love for them to at least feel good about coming to see us.

At Kensington Square Dental, our staff take a kid-friendly approach to youth visits—lots of smiles, patience, and gentle answers to their questions. And of course, for the older kids, a prize when they leave helps create positive associations with visiting us.

There’s plenty you can do as a parent as well! Consider bringing a favourite toy or comfort item they can hang on to during the visit. They are also welcome to sit in your lap during their exam if it would make them feel better. With really young children, maintaining a positive energy yourself has a big impact on how they will feel.

What Can You Do To Support Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits At Home?

Establishing good oral hygiene habits is crucial for your child’s oral health. Of course, when they are so young, it will be your responsibility to ensure their teeth and gums are being properly cared for. At your first visit, we can review good habits and techniques, as well as offer advice for how to begin to involve and educate your child as they grow, meeting their pace for independence as well as motor skills.

• Clean their gums and teeth twice a day using age-appropriate tools
• Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (we’ll show you how!)
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Make brushing and flossing fun with songs, timers, or games
• Lead by example—let them watch you care for your teeth

You’ll want to schedule regular checkups—every six months is recommended—and reinforce the idea that the dentist is a fun, safe place. Going to the dentist regularly is an important part of caring for your and your child’s wellbeing, and we want your kiddo to feel confident and comfortable in going to the dentist for life.

Why Burnaby Parents Trust Kensington Square Dental

We’re proud to be a trusted family dentist in Burnaby! Your child’s early dental visits are about more than clean teeth—they’re about creating positive memories and building strong habits for life.

Making sure your child has a positive experience—and a healthy, clean smile—is our top priority. Our experienced dental team works closely with parents to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and cared for. From your baby’s first tooth to their teenage years, we’re here to help you raise confident, healthy smiles. We look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon!