When Should You Bring Your Kids to the Dentist A Guide from Star Dental Denver

October 09, 2025, Star Dental

When Should You Bring Your Kids to the Dentist? A Parent’s Guide from Star Dental Denver

As a parent, you want your child to grow up with a healthy, confident smile. Many families wonder the same thing — when should kids first go to the dentist, and how often should they return? At Star Dental Denver, our goal is to make dental care simple, positive, and stress-free from the very beginning.

The Right Age for the First Visit

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This early visit helps your dentist check that teeth and gums are developing properly and provides valuable guidance on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb sucking.

Even if your child only has a few teeth, early dental visits are important. They allow your dentist to spot potential problems before they start and help your child feel comfortable in the dental chair. By building trust early, you can prevent fear and anxiety later on.

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Baby teeth might not be permanent, but they play a big role in your child’s overall health. They help your child chew, speak clearly, and guide adult teeth into proper position. If a baby tooth is lost too early from decay, it can affect how the adult teeth grow in and cause crowding or misalignment.

Early dental visits also teach parents what to look for at home — how to clean your child’s teeth, when to start using toothpaste, and how to prevent cavities caused by juice, milk, or prolonged bottle use.

What Happens During a Child’s First Visit

At Star Dental Denver, children’s visits are gentle, quick, and educational. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and teeth, check for signs of decay or early problems, clean and polish teeth if needed, offer fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel, and show you how to care for your child’s teeth at home.

The entire experience is designed to be relaxed and fun. Parents are encouraged to stay in the room, ask questions, and learn simple ways to keep their child’s smile healthy.

How Often Kids Should Visit the Dentist

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup. Regular visits help prevent cavities and ensure that teeth are developing correctly as your child grows. Kids who visit the dentist regularly are also more likely to maintain good habits into adulthood.

For children who are prone to cavities or orthodontic issues, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits or additional preventive treatments like sealants.

Common Signs Your Child Should See the Dentist Sooner

While twice-a-year checkups are standard, there are times when your child might need to visit sooner. Schedule an appointment if you notice tooth pain or sensitivity, swelling or redness in the gums, persistent bad breath, a chipped or broken tooth, white or brown spots on the teeth, or changes in eating or speaking.

Addressing problems early helps avoid discomfort and more complex treatment later.

Making Dental Visits Positive for Kids

At Star Dental Denver, our team understands that children need a gentle approach. We create a friendly, welcoming environment where kids feel safe and even excited about their dental visits. Our staff uses simple language, encourages curiosity, and rewards bravery, turning every appointment into a positive learning experience.

Parents can also help by reading children’s books about the dentist, practicing “open wide” at home, and keeping a calm, encouraging tone before each visit. The goal is to make dental care feel like a normal and happy part of growing up.

Building a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Introducing your child to the dentist early sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. Regular visits help prevent decay, support proper growth, and make dental care a natural routine rather than something to fear.

At Star Dental Denver, we’re proud to care for patients of all ages, from first teeth to braces and beyond. Our family-friendly clinic welcomes new patients, offers direct insurance billing, and is open seven days a week for your convenience.

Visit Star Dental Denver
1490 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80232
Phone: 303-222-1414
Website: https://www.mystardental.com

Healthy habits start early, and so do healthy smiles. Schedule your child’s first dental visit today and let Star Dental Denver help keep their smile bright for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids and Dental Visits

Question: When should my child first visit the dentist?
Answer: Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help ensure that teeth and gums are developing properly.

Question: Why are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Answer: Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and hold space for adult teeth. Losing them too early from decay can cause future crowding or alignment problems.

Question: How often should children go to the dentist?
Answer: Most children should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Some kids who are more prone to cavities or orthodontic issues may need more frequent visits.

Question: What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
Answer: The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums, check for early signs of decay, clean and polish the teeth if needed, apply fluoride for protection, and explain proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Question: Do dental visits hurt?
Answer: No. Regular dental visits are gentle and designed to be comfortable for children. At Star Dental Denver, the focus is on creating a positive, stress-free experience.

Question: What can I do to prepare my child for the dentist?
Answer: Talk positively about the visit, read children’s books about the dentist, and avoid using words like “hurt” or “pain.” Stay calm and encouraging to help your child feel at ease.

Question: How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Answer: Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular cleanings every six months. Ask your dentist about dental sealants for extra protection.

Question: What if my child is scared of the dentist?
Answer: Fear is common, especially during early visits. Our team at Star Dental Denver uses gentle communication, explains every step, and helps kids feel relaxed and confident during their appointment.

Question: Should I stay with my child during their appointment?
Answer: Yes. Parents are always welcome to stay in the room to comfort and support their child, especially during early visits.

Question: What if my child has a dental emergency?
Answer: Contact Star Dental Denver right away at 303-222-1414. The clinic is open seven days a week and accepts same-day and walk-in appointments for urgent cases like tooth pain, injuries, or broken teeth.

Question: Does Star Dental Denver accept insurance?
Answer: Yes. Star Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans and also offers direct billing, flexible payment plans, and financing options.

Visit Star Dental Denver
1490 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80232
Phone: 303-222-1414

Healthy habits begin early, and a positive first dental experience can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
 

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