Children’s First Dental Visit in Upland — What Parents Should Expect

The first dental visit shapes your child’s lifelong relationship with dentistry

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see the dentist by age 1 or when the first tooth appears. Early dental visits prevent cavities, reduce anxiety about dentistry, and help children become confident with oral care routines.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we provide a gentle, fun, and educational first dental visit for families across Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Fontana, and Ontario, ensuring kids feel safe and excited to care for their teeth.

📞 To book your child’s first dental visit, call (909) 946-9090 — same-day and sibling appointments available.

Request Appointment

CALL or TEXT (909) 946-9090

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Goals of your child’s first dental visit

  • Build trust and familiarity in a calm, child-friendly environment

  • Check baby teeth for early signs of decay

  • Evaluate gums, bite, and tooth eruption patterns

  • Provide parents with guidance on brushing, diet, and habits

  • Prevent dental issues before they start

Smiling young boy in dental chair giving thumbs up with dentist in background

What happens during the first appointment?

Meet & greet

We take time to introduce your child to the office, the chair, and the dental tools in a playful way.

Gentle oral exam

We evaluate baby teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and jaw development — no discomfort at all.

Cleaning (only if appropriate)

If a cleaning is needed, it is performed gently and quickly, ensuring comfort at every step.

Fluoride protection (optional)

Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects against cavities during the cavity-prone toddler years.

Parent education

We show parents how to clean baby teeth and review helpful nutrition and oral-care tips.

How to prepare your child for the first dentist visit

  • Speak about the dentist positively and confidently

  • Practice “open wide” at home for fun

  • Bring a favorite toy or comfort item

  • Schedule morning appointments when children are well rested

  • Avoid saying words like “hurt,” “needle,” or “pain”

Children take emotional cues from their parents — if you are relaxed and positive, they will be too.

Do children really need to visit the dentist so young?

Yes. Nearly 40% of children show signs of tooth decay by kindergarten. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, guide speech development, support nutrition, and protect self-esteem. Preventing early cavities avoids fillings, root canals, infections, and dental fear later in life.

First visit timeline (what most families do next)

  • First visit at age 1

  • Cleanings every 6 months

  • Fluoride treatments every 6 months for cavity-prone children

  • Dental sealants at ages 6 & 12 for new molars

📞 Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule your child’s first dental visit in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Fontana, and Ontario.

Request Appointment

CALL or TEXT (909) 946-9090

CLICK TO CALL

Frequently Asked Questions

1What age should my child first visit the dentist?
By age 1 or when the first tooth erupts.
2Will my child get X-rays during the first visit?
Only if necessary — most children do not need X-rays on their very first appointment.
3What if my child cries during the visit?
It’s completely normal. We are trained to gently comfort children and build trust at their own pace.
4Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes — they guide speech, chewing, facial development, and proper spacing for adult teeth.
5Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Absolutely — parents are welcome in the room the whole time.