Yesterday I took my 3-year-old to the dentist for the very first time. We’d spoken about being brave on the way, and while she tried her best, when the big moment came, she was too nervous to open her mouth. Our dentist reassured us this is very common and encouraged us to try again in a few months, this time letting her watch me first so she can see what happens.
If you haven’t booked your child’s first appointment yet, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many parents in our Milestones communities find it’s easy to put off that first visit until the time feels right. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help your child feel safe, supported, and ready for their first check-up.
When Should Children See a Dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends booking your child’s first dentist visit when their first teeth appear, or by their first birthday. Early visits help spot any issues and get little ones used to the idea of dental care.
How Often Should Under-5s Go to the Dentist?
Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6-12 months. Regular visits set good habits early, so check-ups feel routine rather than scary.
Helping Nervous or Shy Children at the Dentist
It can be nerve-wracking for parents too, watching your child feel unsure. The key is to focus on building confidence over time:
- Play dentist at home with a toy dental kit so the experience feels familiar.
- Read storybooks about visiting the dentist to spark curiosity and open conversation.
- Model bravery by letting them watch you at your appointment.
- Celebrate effort, not outcome - even sitting in the chair is a big achievement.
Brushing and Oral Care at Home
Daily habits are just as important as check-ups:
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Use a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Brush twice daily - morning and before bed.
- Make brushing fun with songs, a timer, or brushing together.
Oral Health Tips for Children Under 5
- Encourage water instead of sugary drinks.
- Offer tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, veggie sticks, and fruit.
- Avoid putting children to bed with bottles containing milk or juice.
- Schedule dental visits in the morning when children are less tired.
How Milestones Can Help
At Milestones, we understand that caring for children means looking after their whole wellbeing, teeth included. Many of our centres host community dentist visits, giving children the chance to meet friendly professionals in a safe, familiar environment. Our educators are also happy to share recommendations for local dentists who are great with kids.
When you choose Milestones, you’re choosing more than childcare. You’re joining a community that works hand-in-hand with families to build confident, healthy habits, from daily routines like brushing, to supporting big steps like that first dentist visit.
Find your nearest Milestones Early Learning centre here.
For more oral health information, visit the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health page.
A Confident Smile for the Future
Your child’s first trip to the dentist may not be perfect, and that’s okay. With gentle preparation, encouragement, and support from your childcare community, each visit becomes a step toward healthy, happy smiles that last a lifetime.