when should first dentist visit be

When Should Baby Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Medical review policy, latest update:, when to schedule baby's first dental visit, how to choose a dentist for your child, read this next, what happens at baby's first dentist visit, tips to make your child’s dentist visit easier, how often to visit the dentist.

Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, your dentist will let you know when to make the next visit. Most experts recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd Edition, Heidi Murkoff. What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Dental Care , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Is Your Toddler Teething? , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Preventing Cavities and Keeping Baby's Teeth Healthy , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Brushing Baby's Teeth , July 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know , November 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Good Oral Health Starts Early , November 2020 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Frequently Asked Questions , 2021. American Dental Association, Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile , May 2014.

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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight

What to Expect

Choosing a dentist.

• Getting Ready For The Visit

Preparing as a Parent

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Pediatric Dentist is, “When should I bring my baby in for their first dental visit?”

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. While it may sound early, starting at that age will start your baby on a path for great oral health and prevent a number of dental problems that can occur during childhood.

The first visit gives parents a chance to become educated on how to properly care for their child's teeth and gives children a chance to become comfortable with the dental environment at an early age.

At the first visit, the dentist will examine your baby's mouth to make sure everything is growing and developing properly and will check for dental caries, tongue ties, and any signs of injuries.

The dentist will typically tell you everything you need to know to keep your child's teeth healthy including:

• What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush to use
• Brushing and flossing techniques
• How to relieve teething discomfort
• Which foods and drinks cause cavities
• Answers to questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking.

The examination and cleaning itself can take just a few minutes, but most of the time is spent on making the child feel comfortable and educating the parents. You should not expect the overall visit to take a long time.

The first step is finding a Pediatric Dentist for your child. Pediatric Dentists have two to three additional years of training after dental school during which they extensively study child development, behavior management of patients from infancy to adolescence, and how best to work with special needs children.

Most Pediatric Dentists will aim to provide a fun environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, yummy flavored toothpaste, and staff that enjoy working with children. When children are having fun, they gain trust in the dentist and staff, and will often enjoy their visits and look forward to their next appointment.

Where to Find a Dentist

To find a Pediatric Dentist in your area, you can Google nearby pediatric dentists, talk to other parents you know for recommendations, and ask your child's pediatrician or your own dentist. If you have dental insurance, you can search for a Pediatric Dentist through your list of participating providers.

Getting Ready For Your Child's Visit

When you have decided on an office, call them to schedule a visit. Young children tend to do their best in the morning when they are fresh and full of energy. Avoid scheduling appointments late in the day or close to nap times when children can be groggy or cranky.

You can inquire if it is possible for you and your child to come to the office for a tour and to meet the doctor before the actual day of the checkup. If your child has any special needs, discuss it with the staff member that schedules your appointment. The dentist will often want a little extra time scheduled for this.

If there is something in particular that keeps your child calm and happy (a song they like to hear, a video they like to watch or simply a color they like), let the dentist know so they can try to incorporate that into the visit.

Mental Preparation

Once you have an appointment scheduled, start preparing your child for the visit. Children learn best when they are having fun. You can practice giving their stuffed animal a checkup with a toy mirror.

Your child can bring that same stuffed animal to the dental visit to get a check-up by the dentist. Read books to them. I recommend:

• Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
• Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
• Elmo Visits the Dentist by P.J. Shaw

You can also watch one of the many YouTube videos about going to the dentist, such as Daniel Tiger's .

Put Them At Ease

When talking to your child about their upcoming trip to the dentist, you can assure them that there are no shots at this visit and that the dentist will simply examine and brush their teeth and talk to them about how to keep their teeth healthy.

Let them know that the dentist will show them all of the tools and explain all of the procedures before starting. You can also plan a treat (not candy or junk food) such as a trip to the park or toy store should they need a little extra motivation.

Anticipating Follow Up Visits

Once you've completed your first visit, it's time to start preparing your child for their second visit! Discuss the visit with your child and remind them of the positive things that happened such as:

• There were no shots
• Nothing hurt
• The toothpaste tasted great
• The toothbrush tickled
• The dentist counted all of your teeth and now we know how many teeth you have
• You got prizes and a new toothbrush at the end
• Next time we go there, we'll get these fun prizes all over again!

To prepare yourself, come on time, if possible a few minutes earlier to fill out any registration and consent forms that may be needed. Many offices have their registration forms on their website so you can fill them out in advance.

Give your dentist a complete health history of your child. If your child is taking any medications, have a list of the medications and dosages. Have your child's pediatrician's contact information available.

If you have any particular questions that you want the dentist to address, write them down so you don't forget to ask them if the dentist doesn't bring those topics up.

It is also important to have reasonable expectations of your child. During the visit, some children may open their mouths willingly and enjoy the experience, while some will not, just as some do not enjoy getting haircuts or wearing seatbelts. Luckily, with preparation and sticking to a regular recall schedule (typically every six months), the visits will get easier and more enjoyable each time.

Many children that may start out fearful or anxious can become patients that love going to the dentist once they've been a few times.  

By Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS  Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS is a pediatric dentist practicing in Queens, New York and is the owner of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. 

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Your Baby's First Dental Visit

Your baby is hitting new milestones every day, and his or her first dental visit is another one to include in the baby book!

Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears , but no later than the first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth , he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. (Need a dentist? Use our Find-A-Dentist tool to find one in your area.)

How to Prepare

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething , sucking his or her thumb  or using a pacifier  too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

• Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
• Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
• Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
• Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

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Your child’s first dental visit 

A child’s first visit to the dentist is an exciting milestone. But it’s also an important appointment that can help set them on a lifelong path toward good oral health.

The right time to schedule a first visit is within six months of their first tooth coming in, or no later than their first birthday. This timing is crucial because it’s important to: 

Learn how to help your child avoid cavities and reduce health risks.

Find out who to call if there is an emergency.

Get to know your child’s dentist.

In the long run, you’ll also save money by learning how to take care of your child’s oral health and reducing the risk of more serious or expensive issues. 

Getting your child ready 

In advance of the visit, give them an idea of what to expect:

Go over what will happen at the appointment (more on that below). And be sure not to pass on any personal fear you may have of dentists to your child.  Give them every opportunity to enjoy their first visit.

Explain why it’s important to go to the dentist and how it keeps them healthy.

Take time to answer any questions they may have. 

Try to schedule a morning appointment when your child is likely to be more awake and attentive. 

The day of the visit, go over what to expect one more time. Don’t share any negative experiences that you or other family members may have had with the dentist – instead, remain calm and positive! Your child will likely mirror the feelings you express about the appointment.

It can help to bring a comfort item or quiet game so they can have a little fun while they wait. It’s also an option to plan a positive reward for after the appointment.

What will happen during the visit?

During the routine exam, the dentist will check your child for cavities and review overall growth and development. The dentist will also demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your child’s teeth at home to make sure you’re as effective as possible in removing the plaque bacteria from all tooth surfaces.

To help you continue to care for your child’s oral health, you and your dentist will also: 

Discuss food, drinks, and habits that can cause cavities and healthy alternatives

Review the vital role fluoride plays in strengthening tooth enamel and protecting your child’s smile

Be given helpful information for preventing accidents as your child grows

Why is it important to practice good oral health care from an early age? Because untreated oral health issues will continue to worsen over time – and more than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. 1

By taking your child to the dentist, you’re pointing them toward the path of good oral health. Prepare a little in advance to make sure it’s a great appointment! 

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

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Dental related articles.

First Dental Visit: When To Go and What To Expect for Children

A question we often hear is, “When should my child first go to the dentist and what should we expect on that day?” Read on to see just when you should take your child to the dentist and what the initial visit to a pediatric dentist may be like.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child’s first visit to the dentist should occur within six months after your child’s first tooth appears, but no later than by the child’s first birthday.

You may be wondering, though, when your child will get their first teeth. From birth, children usually have 20 primary teeth partially formed under the gums. The first teeth tend to erupt and come in through the gums from the age of six to 12 months. Beyond that, most children will have their full set of primary teeth by age three.

It’s important to take care of those primary baby teeth for many reasons, including the fact that decay in the baby teeth can sometimes lead to decay in the permanent teeth. Establishing a routine visit to the dentist for your child is not only recommended but prudent. But what can you expect when you get there?

What Should You Expect During Your Child’s First Trip To The Dentist?

All pediatric dentists have their own unique ways of welcoming a child for their first dental visit and making them feel comfortable while they are there.  The experience sometimes starts  outside the office with colorful signage on the building or door. 

Once inside the office, the waiting room can be transformed into a place of play with books, board games, building sets, and video games.  A lot of offices will hold drawings to engage the kids. For example, having a large glass jar filled with marbles (or anything that’s fun to count) and slips of paper with pencils on a table, so kids can guess the number of items in the jar, enter the contest, and qualify to win a prize.

Making the visit fun for your child is the goal to decrease resistance to visiting the dentist in the future. The dental office staff play a huge role in making the visit pleasant for your child. Assistants should be friendly, engaging, and physically be down at the child’s level to interact one-on-one with them. 

What Is Involved In The First Dental Exam?

When your child is called back for their dental exam and cleaning, expect the hygienist to greet you with a smiling face and happy tone of voice. The hygienist will normally welcome you, introduce themselves to you (AND to your child) and then show you to an exam room.

At this point, because the dental tools tend to be intimidating to a young one (and even some adults), most hygienists will make a game of introducing and explaining the equipment that dentists use. They may start by asking if your child has any troubles in their mouth or if their teeth are hurting and whether they brush and floss. 

Then, they might ask if your child knows how many teeth they have. This is a great ice breaker, because kids love to count. The hygienist will generally get their ‘teeth counting tool’ (just a pick) and make a huge deal of counting all the teeth on the top and all the teeth on the bottom, and say something like, “Wow!  You have ten teeth on top and ten on the bottom. Do you know how many teeth that is in total? You have 20 teeth!!”

The hygienist may use words and phrases your child can relate to. For example, when the cleaning and exam starts, your child’s exam chair will be tilted backwards and down, which can be scary for a child. This is the perfect opportunity for your little one to ‘go on a space adventure in a rocket’. And to get a reluctant child to open wide enough for the exam, you may hear, ‘Open your mouth big, like a hippo, for me.” 

Cleaning and polishing teeth is done by the “tooth tickler.” The instrument used to rinse, remove water and paste, and blow air is either a ‘squirt gun’, an ‘elephant’s trunk” or a ‘tooth dryer’ (similar to a hair dryer) depending on its function at the time.  Floss helps to remove the ‘sugar bugs’ from between the teeth.  And fluoride varnish is usually a “superhero protection paint.” 

When it comes time for X-rays, hygienists call the protective shield a ‘heavy blanket’ and may joke that it weighs more than your child. Actually taking the X-rays is compared to taking movie star glamour shots or something similar. You get the idea. 

Anything to calm your child’s fears and keep the appointment experience fun is the end goal, so that future appointments will be looked forward to. Some pediatric dental offices will even show movies or cartoons on a screen in the waiting room or in the exam room to help alleviate anxiety.

Of course, the dentist will come and examine your child after the cleaning. This can be an area of uncertainty and transition for your child, so a lot of dentists will offer prizes from the treasure chest for being a good patient.

Your child may also receive a bag filled with helpful items designed to encourage your child to brush and care for their teeth properly. Colorful toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss picks, timers, toy prizes, and even story books about trips to the dentist may be included. Your child may be encouraged to use the timer while they brush their teeth for two minutes, two times per day (Or they can sing their ABC’s in their head, twice!).

Tips For Your Child’s First Dental Visit

As soon as your child gets their first tooth, go ahead and schedule an appointment close to their first birthday.

Schedule an appointment during the time of day that is best for your child, when they are most calm, rested, and cooperative.

If you fear the dentist, don’t show that anxiety to your child. Stay positive and trust in your pediatric dental professional.

Don’t use bribes to entice your child to go to the dentist nor use a trip to the dentist as a form of punishment.

Preventive Care Can Lead To A Lifetime of Dental Health

Just like with a well-baby check at the doctor, bringing your child to the dentist at a very early age can help to establish positive dental care routines that will ensure oral health over a long period of time. Setting up your child’s dental home in advance is a wise idea should issues involving their teeth arise, either cavities or injuries. 

Good dental health practices can save your child from potentially painful future procedures and save you time and money in the long run. Most importantly, working with a pediatric dentist that can put your child at ease and make them want to go to the dentist may be a key factor in whether your child partakes in dental healthcare throughout their life.

To discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s first trip to the dentist, contact us here at Hurst Pediatric Dentistry.

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Health Begins in the Mouth | Dr. Mark Burhenne

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When Should My Child First See the Dentist?

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Search the functional dentist locator, how to prepare for your child’s first dentist appointment, how long will the appointment last.

One of the most common questions I get from parents is “When should I bring my child in for his/her first dentist visit?”

Some parents want to wait a few years until their child has all his or her teeth; some want to bring in their infants just a few months after they are born; and others wait until their child is fully insured, which, depending on enrollment timing, can delay the first visit.

My Recommendation for Making a Child’s First Dentist Appointment

I typically tell my patients to bring their child in for his visit around the age of six months (which is usually when the first baby tooth appears in the mouth), or at least before his first birthday—whichever comes first. Tooth decay can happen to anyone, even infants, so it’s important to begin caring for your child’s teeth as soon as they start to come in.

It’s also essential to instill good dental hygiene habits in your child as early as possible because children who have had positive experiences with their dentists are more likely to love brushing and better care for their adult teeth. They are less likely to skip dental appointments and they are more likely to prevent the development of cavities .

First acclimating your child to the dentist office between the ages of six months and one year is a great way to start raising a health-savvy child , as is setting a positive example yourself. I encourage both parents to attend dental appointments with their child, if possible, so that he can see that proper oral health care is a family affair.

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Before your take your child to his or her very first dental appointment, there are a few things I recommend to help you both prepare:

• Help your child get excited about his visit. He may be too young to speak or understand languages, but he can pick up on tone and body language. If you appear happy and excited about visiting the dentist, he will be as well.
• Prepare for the possible reactions from your child by bringing a few comforting toys to help your child feel more at ease.
• Speak with your dentist ahead of time and have him or her explain what will happen during the first visit. Every dentist has a slightly different approach, and you’ll feel more prepared and relaxed after you know exactly what will occur.

What Happens During a Child’s First Dentist Appointment?

While all dentists have their own ways of handling infant patients, the first dentist visit is usually about the same no matter where you go. Since so few teeth have come in, the dentist can’t do much cleaning, but he or she will want to look at your child’s mouth to be sure everything looks healthy.

You will be able to stay with your child throughout the entire visit, and your role during this first appointment is key. You are your child’s familiar face, so it is important that you remain calm and collected. Your infant might scream or refuse to sit still, but that’s okay. In fact, most dentists expect that. Just work with your dentist to secure your child and make the appointment as positive as possible.

An infant dental appointment will usually include the following:

• Your dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, oral tissues, and bite to ensure everything is properly forming and coming into place.
• He or she will then carefully polish your child’s tooth or teeth, getting rid of any plaque along the gums.
• The dentist will take x-rays if any deep cavities are present and visible to the naked eye.
• Finally, he or she will advise you on home cleaning tips and techniques.

Most infant dental appointments are brief—typically 15-30 minutes long—for good reason. Because dentists can be intimidating to infants and young children, short visits leave little time for children to get scared. This ensures that the child will develop trust with the dentist and also begin to understand that each appointment has both a beginning and, thankfully, an ending.

Children, like adults, should see a dentist every six months, but some parents like to bring them in every three months to help their children further establish rapport with his dentist. If a child is too fussy or inconsolable on the first visit, it’s okay. You can reschedule and try again in another two to three months.

The important thing to remember, though, is to not give up. Your child’s oral health begins with you behavior and attitude about your own dental visits. In the beginning, it’s you—not the dentist—who will be the best role model.

Dr. Mark Burhenne DDS

Got more questions about your child’s first dentist appointment?  Ask me a question !

About Mark Burhenne, DDS

I’m on a mission to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get. You can read my story here. I have been a dentist in private practice for 35 years. I graduated from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA in 1987 and am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL), American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and Dental Board of California.

Dr. Mark is the author of the best-selling book 8-Hour Sleep Paradox

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Home » Topics » When should my toddler have their first dental visit?

When should my toddler have their first dental visit?

Article at a Glance

• Dental care should begin as early as a child’s first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
• There are several benefits to seeing a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist.
• Early dental visits help treat problems early on and help prevent dental issues in the future.

As a new parent, you want to ensure your baby is healthy and happy. One crucial aspect of your baby’s health is their dental health. But, since babies arrive with many needs and without a full set of teeth, dental care can be an easy step to overlook.

When should my baby’s first dental visit be?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months after their first tooth appears. This may seem early, but it’s important to establish good dental habits from a young age. A pediatric dentist can also check for any potential dental problems and provide guidance on how to care for your baby’s teeth.

Does my baby need to see a children’s dentist or a general dentist?

The most important part is that you see a dentist. But, there are several benefits to seeing a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist for your child’s dental care.

Specialists in Children’s Dentistry

Pediatric dentists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school that focuses on the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. They are specifically trained to work with children, including those with special needs, to provide a comfortable and positive dental experience.

Child-Friendly Environment

Pediatric dental offices are designed to be child-friendly, with bright colors, toys, and games in the waiting room to help children feel comfortable and relaxed. The dental chairs and equipment are also designed with children in mind, making the dental experience less intimidating.

Preventive Care

Pediatric dentists focus on preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, to help children avoid tooth decay and other oral health problems. They also advise on good oral hygiene practices and diet choices to help children develop healthy habits for life.

Early Detection and Treatment of Dental Problems

Pediatric dentists are trained to detect and treat dental problems early, before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment. They can also provide early intervention for orthodontic issues, helping to ensure proper dental development and preventing more significant problems later on.

Education and Support for Parents

Pediatric dentists work closely with parents to educate them about their child’s oral health and provide guidance on proper dental care at home. They can also support parents with concerns about their child’s dental development or their behavior during dental appointments.

Why Dental Checks are Important

Regular dental check-ups are essential for everyone, regardless of age. For babies, seeing a dentist early can help prevent future dental problems. Those little baby teeth play an important role in developing adult teeth. They help your baby chew and speak and also hold the space for adult teeth to grow in properly. If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, it can cause problems with the development of adult teeth.

Seeing a dentist early can also help establish good dental habits. A pediatric dentist can provide guidance on how to clean your baby’s teeth and gums and provide information on proper nutrition and fluoride usage. By establishing good habits early on, you can help ensure your baby’s dental health as they grow older.

What can we expect during my baby’s first dental visit?

During your baby’s first dental visit, the dentist will likely do a quick exam to check for any potential issues. They may also guide you on brushing and flossing techniques appropriate for your child’s stage of dental development. Finally, the dentist will likely clean your baby’s teeth and offer fluoride treatment.

If you’re visiting an office specializing in kids, chances are good that your child will leave with a smile, a prize, and a positive memory of the visit.

In conclusion, your baby probably needs to see a dentist earlier than you might have thought. If you prefer to see a generalist, it’s not the end of the world. But if you or your child have complex dental issues or anxiety around dental visits, starting with a children’s specialist may be the smart move.

Be sure to check out these dental articles as well: Taking Care of our Children’s Teeth What should I do if my child has a dental injury?

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A Child’s First Dental Visit

An exploration of why the age 1 visit is a game changer in terms of overall oral health and childhood caries.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

• Explain the concept and value of a dental home and the Age 1 dental visit, as well as utilization rates for this model of care.
• Describe fundamental clinical practices and challenges when caring for infants and young children.
• Detail key issues surrounding childhood caries and the need to educate parents and caregivers of young pediatric patients.

For the better part of the last 100 years, dentistry followed the “see and treat” concept; meaning that oral health care was, for the most part, treatment oriented. Dentists did what they were trained to do, which was to treat dental caries. Most patients visited the dentist to address a specific problem (usually prompted by the occurrence of pain). Many did not consider primary teeth important, since they were looked upon as being transitional, and would soon be exfoliated and replaced by permanent teeth. In fact, in the 1950s some dental offices had signs in their waiting rooms proclaiming, “No children under age 13 treated.”

With an increase in the knowledge of the dental caries process, dentists gradually began to see children at earlier ages. Many dentists were ill equipped to communicate with and/or treat such young patients; consequently, the recommended age for the child’s first dental visit was on or after the 3rd birthday. Dentistry for patients under the age of 3 was largely approached didactically and not clinically. Prevention of dental disease for this group was a mere afterthought.

PARADIGM SHIFT

Once dental caries was understood as a chronic bacterial disease with a behavioral component, the paradigm shifted from treating the resulting damage to addressing the cause (prevention). In turn, this shift had a significant impact on determining the optimal age for the first dental visit.

Dentistry will never “drill its way out” of the early childhood caries (ECC) epidemic. For practitioners to succeed in the fight against ECC, they must improve preventive efforts and manage lesions in their earliest stages. A patient’s risk of developing dental caries starts with the introduction of oral pathogens into an infant’s mouth; therefore, first seeing the dentist at age 3 could prove too late. The age 1 visit not only allows for preventive therapies and early treatment, it also benefits the child by helping to establish optimal feeding and oral hygiene habits.

In a 1992 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics proposed a definition of the medical home and referred to the “delivery of advanced primary care, with the goal of addressing and integrating high quality health promotion, acute care, and chronic condition management in a planned, coordinated and family centered manner.” 2 In 2001, the AAPD adopted its Policy on the Dental Home, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ medical home concept. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate and routine preventive care and thus have a reduced risk of dental disease. 3

The recommendation for a child’s first dental visit to occur at or before age 1 has been the standard since 2001. Yet, practically speaking, dentistry for patients under the age of 3 continues to be largely spoken of didactically, and not widely implemented clinically in general practice. This is not a criticism as much as an observation. Dentists are busy addressing the functional and physical effects of dental caries and have little time to address the process. Many have not been adequately trained to understand the purpose and method of introducing the age 1 patient to clinical practice. This article will explain the rationale, benefit and technique for implementing the age 1 dental visit. The goal is to make dental practitioners comfortable and competent in meeting this standard of care.

RATIONALE FOR EARLY CARE

Dental caries is a preventable, chronic disease that is influenced by social and behavioral factors. Improving access to — and the use of — preventive and disease management strategies, along with early dental visits, will contribute to better patient outcomes, reduction of per capita health care expenses, and improved utilization of services.

According to research, annual treatment costs for children who had their first dental visit by age 1 are significantly less than for patients who wait until they are older. 4 Children seen by a dentist before age 1 are more likely to see the dentist on an ongoing basis, and less likely to require restorative or emergency visits. By comparison, those seen for the first time at age 2 and age 3 have an increased need for preventive, restorative and emergency visits over time. 5

Unfortunately, 23% of children continue to experience dental caries, with children from ages 2 to 5 experiencing increasing rates. 6 In 2015, 57% of children on Medicaid did not receive preventive oral health services. 7 Previous research showed that Medicaid patients ages 1 to 5 accounted for 45% of total dental costs, even though this age group represented only 5% of the insured population. 6 In a 2015 retrospective review of privately insured patients, only 1% had their first dental visit by age 1. 8

It is logical to ask, “If so much could be done to enhance oral health with effective preventive strategies implemented in the first year of life, why hasn’t dentistry been more effective in this regard?” This is a good question with a complex answer.

Seldom is a patient under the age of 3 cooperative in the dental office. If the dentist’s role is only restorative, there is a dilemma of how to perform complicated procedures on kicking, screaming and crying patients. In years past, many dentists were ill prepared to cope with such patients, therefore treatment was delayed until after the patients were better able to cooperate, usually after their 3rd birthday.

Only recently have the age 1 visit, the value of a dental home, and the clinical skills to complete an infant oral examination been emphasized in dental school curricula. While practicing general dentists may have been exposed to these concepts, as previously noted, many have not been trained in the delivery of care for such young patients.

In addition, dentists are trained to diagnose and restore the consequences of dental disease. Far too often, dentistry is viewed as a surgical specialty, and the schedules of many dentists are customarily filled with patients having broken-down teeth needing immediate attention. If this pattern is to be reversed, there must be a complete paradigm shift emphasizing preventive care and, when possible, nonsurgical management.

THE THREE PILLARS

A proper infant oral examination visit rests upon three pillars:

• Risk assessment
• Oral examination
• Anticipatory guidance

Risk Assessment: Effective infant preventive dentistry begins with an assessment of individual risk factors, as established through the medical, social and dental histories (Table 1). Preventive strategies are subsequently developed to address the patient’s specific risk. These activities occur before the patient’s oral exam and are aimed at providing the primary caregiver with adequate information to reduce the risk of dental caries.

Special attention should be given to the primary caregiver’s dental history. The infant’s oral pathogens are the result of vertical transmission from the primary caregiver. Untreated caries and high bacterial counts from periodontal conditions in the caregiver’s mouth result in the infant having a bacterial flora conducive to caries development. 9

Feeding habits affect caries risk through both what is eaten, and how it is eaten. Carbohydrate-rich diets are highly cariogenic and should be limited. Feeding on demand and/or at night leads to what was formerly referred to as “baby bottle decay,” but now is now known as ECC. 10 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend infants be breastfed until age 1. 11 Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding should not be ad lib. Feeding at night increases the risk of caries formation. During sleep, the body’s systems slow and respirations and the heart rate decreases. There is also reduced salivary flow, and this diminishes the natural cleaning and buffering effect of saliva.

Oral Examination: The examination of the infant’s oral cavity takes place in a knee-to-knee fashion (Figure 1). The dentist cradles the infant’s head in his or her lap while supporting the head. The caregiver holds the infant’s hands and feet. It is normal and beneficial for the infant to cry, as this ensures the mouth is open and an adequate visual examination is possible. The dentist should communicate throughout the examination and remain complimentary of the infant and caregiver. Clinical observations should be pointed out, and the provider should demonstrate proper technique for cleaning the teeth using a gauze, toothbrush or washcloth. Finally, fluoride varnish should be applied. (Additional clinical resources are found in Table 2.)

Anticipatory Guidance: In terms of diet and feeding habits, breastfeeding should be encouraged and added carbohydrates avoided. Feeding should be on a schedule and infants should never be put to bed with a bottle. Water after feeding should also be encouraged.

The child should be introduced to toothbrushing when the first tooth erupts. A soft-bristle brush with an age-appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended (refer to the AAPD’s guideline on fluoride use). As noted, the dentist should demonstrate the technique to the caregiver during the knee-to-knee examination. Other sources of fluoride include drinking fluoridated water and use of fluoride varnish, which should be placed on primary teeth at each dental visit.

TOOTH ERUPTION

NONNUTRITIVE HABITS

Nonnutritive oral habits are common in infants. The caregiver should be assured these are normal and that most infants discontinue them in time. Persistent habits that are causing distortion of the oral cavity can be addressed when the patient is mature enough to want to quit. Until then, the dentist should monitor the habit and any resulting oral changes it is causing.

RECALL VISITS

High-risk patients should be placed on a three-month recall schedule. Fluoride varnish should be applied at these visits. Additional anticipatory guidance information should be reemphasized at each appointment. More information on the infant examination can be found in the AAPD Guideline for Infant Oral Health Care ( aapd.org/ media/ Policies_ Guidelines/ G_ InfantOralHealthCare.pdf ).

Dentists who provide care for pediatric patients are highly encouraged to adopt the age 1 visit. It is the standard of care for young patients and supported by the AAPD, American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. While preventive measures are important for all patients, waiting to institute these measures at age 3 would be too late for patients at high risk of dental caries. The patient with ECC will require more dental care, incur more expense, and is likely to face a lifetime of caries. For dentistry to address this dilemma in any significant way requires intervention upon the eruption of the first primary tooth.

Just as pediatricians are the primary medical care providers for infants, dentists are the primary oral health care providers for this patient population. The role and responsibility of the dentist is to provide education and training to the parents/caregivers and, when appropriate, the child, too. The value of the child’s first dental visit, and subsequent routine appointments, is not merely the dental prophylaxis. It is the supervision and educational information the parent/caregiver and patient receives from the dental team that will provide a lifetime of value in terms of oral and overall health.

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Maintaining and improving the oral health of young children. Section on oral health. Pediatrics. 2014;134:1224–1229.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Medical Home definition. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/professional-resources/practice-transformation/ medicalhome/Pages/home.aspx. Accessed January 17, 2019.
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Definition of Dental Home. Available at: http://www.aapd.org/ media/policies_guidelines/d_dentalhome.pdf. Accessed January 17, 2019.
• Dye BA, Thornton-Evans G, Li X, Iafolla TJ. Dental caries and sealant prevalence in children and adolescents in the United States, 2011–2012. NCHS Data Brief . 2015;191:1–8.
• Nowak A, Christensen JR, Mabry TR, Townsend JA, Wells MH. Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy through Adolescence . 6th ed. Philidelphia: Saunders; 2018:137.6.
• Lee JY, Bouwens TJ, Savage MF, Vann WF Jr. Examining the cost-effectiveness of early dental visits. Pediatr Dent . 2006;28:102–105.
• Casamassimo PS, Hammersmith K, Gross EL, Amini H. Infant oral health: an emerging dental public health measure. Dent Clin North Am . 2018;62:235–244.
• Kolstad C, Zavras A, Yoon RK. Cost-benefit analysis of the age one dental visit for the privately insured. Pediatr Dent . 2015;37:376–380.
• Dye BA, Vargas CM, Lee JJ, Magder L, Tinanoff N. Assessing the relationship between children’s oral health status and that of their mothers. J Am Dent Assoc . 2011;142:173–183.
• Kierce EA, Rainchuso L. Comprehensive approach to early childhood caries. Decisions in Dentistry. 2017;3(12):34–36,39.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/ Breastfeeding/Pages/AAP-Policy-on-Breastfeeding.aspx. Accessed   January 17, 2019.

Featured image by ONDROOO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

From Decisions in Dentistry.  February 2019;5(2):30—32,35.

Orpheus L. Triplett, DDS, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, where he serves as director of Community Relations and Outreach. Triplett has more than 20 years experience in private practice and has also served as dental director for Christ Community Health Services, a multisite federally qualified health center in Memphis.

Larry Dormois, DDS, MS, is chair of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in Memphis. Board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, he is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American College of Dentists. Dormois serves as an examiner for the American Board of Dentistry and is a site visitor for the Council on Dental Accreditation with the American Dental Association. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Brushing is should start as soon as teeth appear, which can be as early as 4 months. Babies usually get bottom teeth first, then top ones. Don’t get too worked up about when baby teeth come in.

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Dental Visits – The Dentist Visit And What To Expect

Top articles, more articles.

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

What Happens During a Dental Visit?

First, it is important to find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable. Once you've found a dentist you like, your next step is to schedule a check-up — before any problems arise.

On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed, make sure to tell them.

Most dental visits are checkups. Regular checkups (ideally every six months) will help your teeth stay cleaner, last longer and can prevent painful problems from developing.

• A thorough cleaning Checkups almost always include a complete cleaning, either from your dentist or a dental hygienist. Using special instruments, a dental hygienist will scrape below the gumline, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also polish and floss your teeth.
• A full examination Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. His or her goal is to help maintain your good oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible.
• X-rays Depending on your age, risks of disease and symptoms, your dentist may recommend X-rays. X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. A modern dental office uses machines that emit virtually no radiation — no more than you would receive from a day in the sun or a weekend watching TV. As a precaution, you should always wear a lead apron when having an X-ray. And, if you are pregnant, inform your dentist, as X-rays should only be taken in emergency situations. Your dentist may ask for a Panoramic X-ray, or Panorex. This type of film provides a complete view of your upper and lower jaw in a single picture, and helps the dentist understand your bite and the relationship between the different teeth and your arch.

How Long Should I go Between Visits?

If your teeth and gums are in good shape, you probably won't need to return for three to six months. If further treatment is required — say to fill a cavity, remove a wisdom tooth, or repair a broken crown — you should make an appointment before leaving the office. And don't forget to ask your dentist any questions you may have —this is your chance to get the answers you need.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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• Second Opinion

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving him or her a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child proper home cleaning such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a development problem.

Protect your children's teeth at home

 Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. This is when the child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Don't give children a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle in 5 to 6 minutes or less.

Help your child brush his or her own teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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First Visit to a Dentist: What to expect for your appointment

Dr. craig parlet.

• November 3, 2021

Home » First Visit to a Dentist: What to expect for your appointment

First Visit to a Dentist: What to Expect

I would like to share my ideas on what a first visit to the dentist should be like for the patient. With my 30 plus years of experience as a private practice general dentist to shape my views. I am continually striving to improve my abilities and methods, but I feel I have a good grasp of this procedure. 

Personally I don’t believe in scheduling a new patient examination with the hygienists and the Dr. appears for 5-10 minutes to do his evaluation. Rarely is this adequate time to perform a thorough evaluation of the patient’s oral health.

How Long is the First Visit to a Dentist?

I believe most new patients value the amount of time I allow for a new comprehensive patient evaluation, approximately 1 hour. We often receive compliments on how thorough the examination was. I enjoy getting to know the patients and hearing about their jobs, stresses, kids, hobbies, etc. I try to slowly build a relationship with my patients to get to know them and their priorities. 

Part of the fun of being a healthcare provider is discovering we all have things in common. We are all just human. We often share happy stories and sad stories. Most of the time we can express something that will make us all laugh and maybe reduce the patient’s anxiety a little. 

A First Class First Visit Examination

I think every new patient deserves a first class examination. The process begins with the initial phone call and relies on the skills of my front desk person to gather all the data necessary for my office to be prepared for a new patient visit. A variety of paperwork and forms must be filled out including insurance information, dental history information, medical history, and various consent forms. 

Some things can be delegated to staff members, but my time commitment for the initial examination is usually about 1 hour for an adult. This is a different experience for many patients and must be explained to them prior to the appointment. The quick 5-10 minute exam just doesn’t fit my style.

More than Just a Visit to the Dentist

My initial meeting with the patient includes an introduction to the patient by my assistant. Before sitting a patient back in the dental chair I like to review their personal information, medical history, dental history and any areas of concern. I also like to know what their job entails, family details like parents, kids, grandkids and if they are native Coloradoans or have relocated from elsewhere. 

I also like to ask what their special interests are, which is fascinating to hear. Many patients like to hear about my family, hobbies, and activities and I am happy to share info with them. Being a cancer survivor also lets them know I can empathize with them on many levels.

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Expect to have x-rays taken.

After this fairly brief conversation I like to focus on why they are here and begin my examination with a very brief look in their mouth before I request any radiographs(x-rays). The patient is still in the chair and upright. The x-rays are taken and thanks to the nearly instant digital x-rays I can then review the x-rays with the patient and point out good things and potential problem areas. Patients usually like to see the x-rays and ask a variety of questions. After questions are answered we can sit the patient back and begin the evaluation.

An Oral Health Screen

My oral examination consists of documenting many things present including:

• Orthodontic jaw relationships,
• Excessive spacing
• Excessive wearing of enamel or dentin

We will also take jaw movement measurements and palpate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and do a screening for temporomandibular dysfunction by checking for joint sounds, erratic movements, lack of mobility, and a muscle palpation. This evaluation also incorporates an extra oral cancer screening, checking for growths or lymph node involvement. It is surprising to me how many patients have not had this done before, or not had it explained.

First Dental Visit Examination Steps

I can now move to the mouth itself. I’ll continue the cancer screening intra orally including gum tissue, cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, tonsil area, and under the tongue. 

I once detected enlarged submandibular lymph nodes on a patient and made her an appointment with a specialist. The diagnosis was lymphoma cancer. They had to move away, but her husband called several years later to thank me as the oncologist told him to. She had made a complete recovery- possibly my most rewarding day in dentistry ever!

Next I will examine the periodontal tissue- gum tissue. This generally requires probing the teeth to check for periodontal health. We also check gingival recession, mobility, amount of ginigva remaining, etc. Some patients require more time than others for this evaluation, but healthy gum tissue is the foundation point for a healthy mouth.

Now, I can finally move to checking the teeth. This process includes charting existing restorations, decayed areas, broken teeth, cracked teeth, potential root canal problems, missing teeth, etc. Depending on the extent of existing work or teeth needing treatment, this will take a few minutes.

The last part of the exam is using a small intra oral-extra oral camera to take as many pictures as necessary. These pictures help document conditions and be able to show and explain possible treatment options to the patient. The majority of patients like to see “their” teeth in pictures and usually have great questions when they are initiated by viewing their pictures. I am happy to answer their questions while viewing pictures.

A Final Assessment

At this point, I now have somewhat of an idea of my patient’s oral conditions. I will review the pictures-one-on one and then move on to treatment. If the patient needs a routine cleaning and a filling or two I will present that at this time. If there are more advanced issues, such as endodontic, periodontic, or restorative issues then I will have the patient reappoint for a consultation appointment as it may take me an hour or more to evaluate pictures, x-rays, and clinical notes to be able to formulate a treatment plan.

Overall, your first visit to a dentist should be about you! You are trusting them with your oral health and expecting them to make the best decision. You want a dentist that will take the time to understand your medical history. Someone that will put your needs first and want to build a long lasting relationship.

Dr. Craig Parlet is a recently retired private practitioner after practicing dentistry for over 3 decades. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1983. Dr. Parlett was a member of two different study clubs, RAZA Study club and S.T.A.T study club. Both clubs dealt with overall accountability and critiquing dental work. 

Written by: Dr. Craig Parlet

General Dentist

Curator: The DentalScout Team

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Avoid these things before going to the dentist

Posted: November 13, 2023 | Last updated: November 13, 2023

It's safe to say that most of us don't jump for joy before going to the dentist. Still, taking care of our oral health is of utmost importance, so we do our best to make the trip worthwhile. There are, however, do's and don'ts we should be aware of when it comes to paying the dentist a visit.

In this gallery, we go through some of the most common things many of us are guilty of doing before going to the dentist. Click through to learn all about them.

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Don't put on too much makeup

Going to your dentist appointment with your face full of makeup is not a great idea. While a bit of blush and mascara is okay, avoid foundation and, especially, lipstick.

A trip to the dentist involves your mouth being open, the use of tools, and sometimes anesthetics, so your face can get a bit numb, and messy.

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Don't bring a picture of your dream Hollywood smile

Bringing a picture of perfect teeth to a cosmetic dental appointment might sound like a good idea at first.

But this is not how cosmetic dentistry works. You can’t really pick and choose and get a copy done.

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Doctor of dental surgery Jay Grossman compares the process to getting hair color done. “You can't just put the same highlights or lowlights in everybody's hair,” he says.

Don’t hide your medical history

It’s important that you are open about your medical history with your dentist. If you suffer from any conditions or have had surgery, it’s important to tell your dentist in advance of any dental procedures.

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Your dentist might have to take special precautions and even medicate you if required. "Pretreatment one hour before the appointment with an antibiotic is recommended for patients with certain health conditions," explains dentist Martin Hogan.

Avoid eating simple carbs before your appointment

Ideally, you will want to eat foods that don’t cause a blood sugar crash, and allow you to have a steady supply of energy throughout the entire dental procedure.

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A meal high in protein and fat is a safer bet when it comes to sustaining your energy levels. "If your pre-dental meal doesn't sustain you throughout your appointment, this could leave you feeling restless, irritable, and even light-headed mid-appointment," explains doctor of dental surgery Brandon Cooley.

Don't drink alcohol before going to the dentist

Some people just have a drink and don’t think much of it, while others do so because it helps with the nerves of sitting in a dentist’s chair. Either way, alcohol should be avoided because it can interact with dental medication.

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"Of course, you could drink wine before going to the dentist, but it will affect [your] treatment. There will be some contraindications between the wine and some dental medication," explains dentist David Potts.

Don't take painkillers if you’re getting root canal treatment

Taking pain medication beforehand may seem like a practical solution for what is usually a painful procedure. Except dentists use anesthesia and might prescribe you the correct meds to take afterwards, so you won’t really have to worry about that.

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In addition, sometimes dentists need to know if, when, and where you feel pain. If you mask your pain with medication, you won’t be able to give your dentist the feedback he/she needs.

Don’t wear your contact lenses if you’re having dental surgery

This is especially true if you have to undergo general anesthetic. This means your eyes will be shut for an extended period of time, which not only can cause discomfort when you have to remove the contacts, but also increases the risk of eye infection.

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Don’t brush your teeth before your appointment

It’s safe to say we’re all guilty of this. It does make sense, right? Well, it depends. If you have eaten recently, then sure, by all means brush your teeth. If not, it's best to avoid it.

This is because it’s important not to mask your breath with toothpaste. Your dentist will want a full picture of what is going on in your mouth, and that includes your breath.

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"This is what we do for a living so we understand there are some things that can't be avoided, bad breath being one of them. Sometimes it's best not to try to camouflage things going on in your mouth before visiting the dentist," explains dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association Ada Cooper.

Avoid eating just before a teeth cleaning

It’s recommended that you not eat or drink anything other than water for a few hours prior to having your teeth cleaned.

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“This will prevent food debris from lodging in your teeth, which can irritate you during a cleaning and give your dentist a little extra work to do," says doctor of dental surgery Gregory Skeens.

Improving your dental hygiene suddenly before your appointment

Perhaps the thought of going to the dentist made you start flossing three times a day, but dental hygiene works in the long term. Stepping it up for a couple of weeks won’t really have any long-lasting positive effects.

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Your gums might get slightly irritated or dried out if you suddenly start flossing more than usual or excessively using alcohol-based mouth rinses.

Don't smoke before going to the dentist

It’s well known that smoking is not good for your oral health in general, leading to tooth staining, bad breath, gum inflammation, and even plaque and tartar buildup. Doing so before a dental appointment is also a no-no.

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"Smoking is something patients shouldn't do, period, but definitely not before the dentist," stresses Cooper.

Don't neglect to check your insurance coverage

Going to the dentist can be expensive, and many people do have health insurance that covers oral health. However, sometimes we fail to check which treatments are actually covered and have an unpleasant surprise when it’s time to pay the bill.

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Don’t eat garlic before your appointment

This goes for any foods that can cause bad breath, but garlic in particular is a nasty one. So, avoid garlic breath. Your dentist will appreciate it!

Avoid eating citrus before going to the dentist

Consuming citrus fruits just before your appointment is also not a good idea. This is because this can temporarily weaken your tooth enamel.

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Avoid drinking too much caffeine before your appointment

This is especially true if you get a bit nervous about going to the dentist. Too much caffeine can worsen symptoms of anxiety.

It’s normal to feel a little bit nervous, but if you do experience a high level of anxiety, it's best to talk to your dentist beforehand. Dentists deal with these situations regularly, and will be able to advise you.

Sources: (Health Digest) (Verywell Health)

See also: Why we're all brushing our teeth wrong

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First over-the-counter birth control pill hits store shelves

Opill, the first birth control pill approved to be sold without a prescription, has landed on shelves at some Walgreens stores.

The pill is also available to order online from Amazon, CVS, Walgreens and the Opill website.

It’s the first time that U.S. residents are able to buy birth control pills over the counter — the same way they would purchase Tylenol or Advil — though many states allow pharmacists to dispense birth control pills to patients without a prescription .

Sriha Srinivasan, 21, said she plans to start taking Opill as soon as she can find it at a store near her home in Fairfield, California — both for its convenience and because she wants to support a product that’s expanding access to contraception. 

Srinivasan, a contraceptives activist, said she tried to schedule appointments at local clinics to get a birth control prescription last year, only to find out that the earliest slots were months away, during her final exams.

“That’s not access to me,” she said. “This is fulfilling the gap that I experienced, that I know for a fact that other students have also experienced.”

The Food and Drug Administration approved Opill for over-the-counter sales in July, but the drug’s maker, Perrigo, didn’t start shipping batches to retailers and pharmacies until March 4. 

The Opill website shows a map of stores that carry or are expected to carry the pill. 

Walgreens estimated that Opill would be at all of its stores within the next week or so. Several stores in Massachusetts and one in Connecticut confirmed to NBC News that the product had made it to shelves.

“Opill will be available at Walgreens nationwide in the family planning aisle and behind the pharmacy. Customers can also purchase the product online for 30-minute pickup, 1-hour delivery, or ship to home,” Marty Maloney, a company spokesperson, said in a statement.

Matt Blanchette, a CVS spokesperson, said the pharmacy chain started selling Opill online on Thursday, but the product hasn’t hit shelves yet.

“In early April, more than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores will offer Opill and for added privacy and convenience, customers will be able to choose same-day delivery or buy online and pick up in store,” he said.

Walmart spokesperson Tricia Moriarty said Opill is expected to be available on the store's website at the end of this week, but as of Friday afternoon the pills were listed as “out of stock.” Opill will also be available at all Walmart stores the first week of April, Moriarty said.

The medication costs $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply at most stores, though Walmart lists slightly lower prices online. 

Opill contains one hormone, progestin, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg, thins the lining of the uterus and can sometimes prevent ovulation. This type of birth control, known as the “mini pill,” is taken at the same time each day. The common prescription forms of birth control, known as “combination pills,” contain synthetic versions of both estrogen and progestin.

When used as directed, Opill's effectiveness can be as high as 98%, meaning just 2 out of 100 women will become pregnant in a year of use. The effectiveness of combination pills can reach 99%.

A prescription version of Opill was approved more than 50 years ago under the brand name Ovrette, and was available in the U.S. from 1973 to 2005. 

Over-the-counter birth control pills were already available in more than 100 countries before Opill was approved in the U.S. in July.

Srinivasan spoke about the need for over-the-counter birth control pills at an FDA advisory committee meeting last year.

“I really felt like I was the voice for a lot of young people in that moment. … I got a tattoo of a little birth control pack after I spoke to the FDA,” she said.

Srinivasan added, though, that she worries that even $20 per month might feel expensive after she starts medical school this fall.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans are required to cover certain types of contraceptives at no out-of-pocket cost. But over-the-counter medications generally aren’t covered. 

However, according to KFF , a nonprofit health think tank, seven states — California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Washington — require private health insurance plans that are subject to state law to cover some nonprescription contraceptives. Many of those policies should be broad enough to include Opill, according to KFF — but the majority of plans are only subject to federal, not state, law. Seven states also have funds set aside to cover nonprescription contraceptives for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Jared Kushner says Gaza’s ‘waterfront property could be very valuable’

Donald Trump’s son-in-law also says Israel should bulldoze an area of the Negev desert and move Palestinians there

• Middle East crisis – live updates

Jared Kushner has praised the “very valuable” potential of Gaza’s “waterfront property” and suggested Israel should remove civilians while it “cleans up” the strip.

The former property dealer, married to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, made the comments in an interview at Harvard University on 15 February. The interview was posted on the YouTube channel of the Middle East Initiative, a program of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, earlier this month.

Kushner was a senior foreign policy adviser under Trump’s presidency and was tasked with preparing a peace plan for the Middle East . Critics of the plan, which involved Israel striking normalisation deals with Gulf states, said it bypassed questions about the future for Palestinians.

His remarks at Harvard gave a hint of the kind of Middle East policy that could be pursued in the event that Trump returns to the White House, including a search for a normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel .

“Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable … if people would focus on building up livelihoods,” Kushner told his interviewer, the faculty chair of the Middle East Initiative, Prof Tarek Masoud. Kushner also lamented “all the money” that had gone into the territory’s tunnel network and munitions instead of education and innovation.

“It’s a little bit of an unfortunate situation there, but from Israel’s perspective I would do my best to move the people out and then clean it up,” Kushner said. “But I don’t think that Israel has stated that they don’t want the people to move back there afterwards.”

Masoud replied that there was “a lot to talk about there”.

Kushner also said he thinks Israel should move civilians from Gaza to the Negev desert in southern Israel.

He said that if he were in charge of Israel his number one priority would be getting civilians out of the southern city of Rafah, and that “with diplomacy” it could be possible to get them into Egypt.

“But in addition to that, I would just bulldoze something in the Negev, I would try to move people in there,” he said. “I think that’s a better option, so you can go in and finish the job.”

He reiterated the point a little later, saying: “I do think right now opening up the Negev, creating a secure area there, moving the civilians out, and then going in and finishing the job would be the right move.”

The suggestion drew a startled response from Masoud. “Is that something that they’re talking about in Israel?” Masoud asked. “I mean, that’s the first I’ve really heard of somebody, aside from President Sisi [Egypt’s leader], suggesting that Gazans trying to flee the fighting could take refuge in the Negev. Are people in Israel seriously talking about that possibility?”

“I don’t know,” Kushner replied, shrugging his shoulders.

“That would be something you’d try to work on?” Masoud asked.

“I’m sitting in Miami Beach right now,” Kushner said. “And I’m looking at the situation and I’m thinking: what would I do if I was there?”

Asked by Masoud about fears on the part of Arabs in the region that the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, would not allow Palestinians who flee Gaza to return, Kushner paused and then said: “Maybe.”

He went on to say: “I am not sure there is much left of Gaza at this point. If you think about even the construct, Gaza was not really a historical precedent [sic]. It was the result of a war. You had tribes in different places and then Gaza became a thing. Egypt used to run it and then over time different governments came in.”

Responding to a question about whether the Palestinians should have their own state, Kushner described the proposal as “a super bad idea” that “would essentially be rewarding an act of terror”.

• Jared Kushner
• Israel-Gaza war
• Palestinian territories
• Middle East and north Africa
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