Your Child's First Dental Visit in North York
A first visit is mostly about meeting the dentist and getting comfortable. It is short, gentle and gives you a chance to ask questions about your child's teeth.
A child's first dental visit in North York at Emerald Forest Dental is a short, relaxed appointment. The dentist looks at your child's teeth and gums, often with your child sitting on your lap, and talks with you about brushing, feeding and teething. Many families come within six months of the first tooth or by age one.
- Typical time
- About 20–30 minutes
- Who it's for
- Babies and young children who have not seen a dentist before. We see children of all ages, and a first visit by age one is a good habit
- Coverage
- Often covered as a children's exam under family insurance; check your plan
- Recovery
- None
About your child's first dental visit
Many parents are surprised that a dentist wants to see a one-year-old. The reason is simple: tooth decay can start as soon as teeth appear, especially with bedtime bottles or frequent snacking. A first visit lets the dentist spot early warning signs, like white chalky lines near the gums, long before your child feels anything.
For babies and toddlers, the visit is often a knee-to-knee exam. You sit facing the dentist with your child on your lap, then lay your child back so their head rests on the dentist's knees. This lets your little one see you the whole time. The dentist lifts the lips, counts the teeth, checks the gums and tongue, and may brush the teeth or apply fluoride varnish.
Just as much of the visit is a conversation with you. We talk about how to brush small teeth, how much fluoride toothpaste to use, soothers and thumb-sucking, teething, and how often your child eats or drinks between meals. Crying is normal at this age and does not mean the visit went badly. The goal is a positive first memory and a plan you can follow at home.
Signs it is time to book
- Your baby's first tooth has come in
- Your child is close to their first birthday
- You notice white, brown or chalky spots on the front teeth
- Your child falls asleep with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice
- Your toddler has fallen and bumped their front teeth
Benefits
- Early signs of decay can be caught before they hurt
- You get practical advice for your child's age
- Your child gets used to the dental office early
- A starting record for tracking growth over time
What to expect
- Pick a good timeBook a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed, often the morning for toddlers.
- Prepare at homeRead a picture book about the dentist or play pretend by counting teeth with a toothbrush.
- Meet the teamYour child can look around, hold a toothbrush and sit with you before the exam begins.
- Lap examThe dentist gently checks teeth, gums and jaw growth while your child stays close to you.
- Questions and tipsWe answer your questions and suggest when your child should come back.
Aftercare
- Praise your child for being brave, even if they cried during the visit.
- If fluoride varnish was applied, skip brushing until the next morning unless the dentist says otherwise.
- Start a twice-daily brushing routine using the toothpaste amount your dentist suggested.
Cost and coverage
A first visit is usually billed like a short children's exam, with any fluoride added as a separate item. Many dentists in Ontario set fees using the ODA suggested fee guide, and most family insurance plans include children's exams. Young children in eligible families may be covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP); please ask us how CDCP would work for your child's appointment. Our team can also explain LendCare payment plans if your child needs more care later.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Your Child's First Dental Visit FAQ
What if my child cries the whole time?
That is very common for babies and toddlers, and the dentist can still see the teeth. Crying does not mean your child is hurt. Staying calm yourself and praising them afterward helps the next visit go more smoothly.
Should I tell my child what will happen?
Keep it simple and positive, like saying the dentist will count their teeth. Try not to use words such as hurt, needle or drill, even to say something will not happen, because they can create worry.
Will my child need X-rays at the first visit?
Usually not. X-rays are rarely needed for babies and young toddlers unless the dentist sees a specific problem, such as an injury or a suspected cavity between teeth.
My toddler bumped a front tooth. Should we come in?
Yes, it is a good idea to have it checked, even if it looks fine. A bumped baby tooth can turn grey or become infected later. Call us and describe what happened so we can advise you on timing.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Bring your insurance information, a list of any medicines or health conditions, and a favourite toy or comfort item. Write down any questions you have so you do not forget them.
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Your Child's First Dental Visit near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book your child's first dental visit in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.