Once your child’s first tooth erupts it’s recommended that you come in to see the dentist, or at least make sure you speak with your dentist to ensure you know how to care for your child’s teeth, and what things to be cautious of. You should also bring your child to the dentist if you notice anything ‘odd’ like a dark spot, or if your child avoids chewing or eating certain foods because perhaps a tooth hurts. If your child has a fall that can also cause damage and should be investigated further. The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months old and no later than one year old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months. It is best to be positive about your child’s first visit and avoid phrases like ‘it won’t hurt, or tell them if they don’t let you brush the dentist will have to take their tooth out. Their first visit should be a fun, social visit. Even if you don’t like the dentist try not to transfer that to your child. Perhaps having another family member come with them would be a good idea. Talk about the positive, that they might get to have a fun ‘ride in the chair’ and ‘play with the magic straw and squirt gun’, or watch the ‘TV in the ceiling’. We all want your child’s first visit to be a positive one.