A baby’s first dental visit should be by their 1st birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first.

Why so early?

• 🦷 Baby teeth matter: They guide jaw development, speech, and spacing for adult teeth
• 🍼 Prevention of early childhood caries (especially for babies who use bottles, sippy cups, or nurse at night)
• 👶 Parent education: Feeding habits, brushing, fluoride use, thumb-sucking, and teething guidance
• 😄 Positive experience: Early visits reduce dental fear later in life

What happens at the first visit?

• A gentle exam of the teeth, gums, and jaw
• Caries risk assessment
• Oral hygiene coaching for parents
• Discussion about fluoride, diet, pacifiers, and habit
• Gentle toothbrush cleaning of newly erupted teeth 

Dental x-rays are a safe and effective diagnostic tool that helps dentists detect issues not visible during a regular exam. They use a very low level of radiation and are considered safe for most patients. Your dentist will only recommend x-rays when necessary to ensure your optimal oral health.

We recommend scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning at Dental Services of Bristol every six months. Regular visits help us monitor your oral health, prevent dental problems, and provide early treatment if needed. However, the frequency of your visits may vary depending on your individual needs and oral health condition. Our dentists will work with you to determine the best schedule for maintaining optimal dental health.

It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. Regular visits help maintain good oral health, prevent dental issues, and allow your dentist to catch any potential problems early.