Your child's first dental visit: a calm, simple guide

Paediatric dentists recommend a first visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing.

Keep the language positive. Words like 'count your teeth' and 'tooth tickle' work far better than 'pain' or 'needle'.

Bring a favourite toy, keep the morning relaxed, and let your child see you smiling. The first visit is mostly a friendly look, a quick clean and lots of chatting.

Afterwards, celebrate! A sticker, a story or a park visit helps your little one remember the dentist as a happy place.