First Dental Visit: What Parents Should Expect

Your child’s first trip to the dentist can set the tone for their oral health for years to come. At Larkham House Dental Practice in Plymouth, we aim to make that first visit positive, gentle, and helpful. Here’s what parents should expect, and how you can prepare.

When Should the First Visit Be?

We recommend your child sees a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, usually around six months.

If not then, definitely by age one, when most of the front baby teeth are present.

Early visits help avoid problems later and start good habits early.

What Happens in the First Appointment?

Introductions & getting comfortable
We get to know you and your child. The child meets the team. We try to make the surgery environment friendly. If they’re nervous, that’s normal. We know how to help.

Examination of teeth, gums, mouth
We gently look in the mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks. We check how the teeth are coming through. No pressure, just calm and careful.

Advice on oral hygiene & diet
We’ll talk about brushing technique, tooth-brushing frequency, the right toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We also cover how sugars and diet affect teeth.

Fluoride varnish (if appropriate)
When your child is old enough, we offer fluoride varnish to protect the back (molars) from decay.

How You Can Prepare

Bring your child’s favourite toy or comfort item.

Arrive a few minutes early to fill any forms and help them settle.

Talk to them beforehand in simple, positive terms — there is nothing scary about visiting the dentist.

Be ready with questions: about toothpaste, brushing, sugar, teething concerns etc.

What Parents Will Learn

By the end of the appointment, you should understand:

How to clean baby teeth properly

Which toothpaste to use, and how much (smear vs pea-size etc.)

How often dental check-ups should happen

How to limit sugary foods and drinks to protect teeth

What to do if your child is reluctant or fearful

Why It Matters

Baby teeth are not just temporary — they hold space for adult teeth. Losing them too early can cause alignment issues.

Good habits early help prevent decay, gum problems, and dental fears later.

A positive first dental visit helps build trust and confidence.

If you’d like to book your child’s first appointment or have questions ahead of time, give us a call on 01752 343 140 or contact us.

We are here to support your child’s smile — from their very first tooth

Back to Blog

What do they say about Larkham House?

“After being referred here by my old dentist for a dental implant. I ended up switching to here. So friendly, great what they do, easy to get an appointment, plenty of parking.”

Thomas

“I highly recommend Larkham House dentistry. As a very anxious person & fear of the dentist, they really look after you. I had Dr V Giddani for few visits what a caring Dentist he...”

MC

“We spent some time yesterday at Larkham House Dental Practice and received 100% treatment and care. The Reception Team, Dentist and Hygienist were excellent and we came away feeling very blessed. We look forward...”

Peter

“Never been disappointed there. Staff is friendly and they actually care. My dentist marko roberta (i think she's called), is so friendly and makes an appointment a breeze. The 2 people in the reception...”

Marco

“Larkham House are a fantastic dental surgery .They are always very friendly , helpful and caring and they always go the extra mile to help you .I don't think you would find a better...”

Julie

“What a lovely dental surgery to visit the staff are very friendly and for someone who is not a fan of the dentist they were gentle constantly checking I was ok and talk you...”

Becky

“Over many years, I've always had great service here - from front desk through to treatment room. My dentist, Matthew Saad, is always very helpful, professional and reassuring.”

John

Laura Johnson

19:36 24 Oct 22

Very friendly staff! I suffer with anxiety and every time I have an appointment the dentist is very patient and goes through everything to make sure I am OK and not too nervous. The dentist nurses, particularly Rachel is amazing! Especially with my children when they come in makes me feel at ease!

Teresa Floyd

08:16 21 Aug 22

Had a referral from Seven Trees as I had severe dental painI am a very nervous patient however the service I received was outstanding from the minute I arrived to the minute I left and no more tooth painThank you so much

Christine Boyle

20:10 07 Apr 22

Had an appointment with Clohe yesterday and I can't praise her enough. So thorough and nothing was too much trouble for her. She was very caring and cosiderat e I felt relaxed and nothing was too much of a problem for her too deal with. My appointment was not rushed .

Adam Davie

19:59 10 Oct 21

From the offset call confirming my appointment this dental practice experience was five star compared to dentist based Midlands . Front desk staff / nurses excellent giving me the reassurance that I was booked in with a great dentist as I personally have a fear of the dentist being in my late 30s . After my review etc with the dentist it was forgone conclusion that a full on extraction was required the dentist himself was unbelievable reassuring excellent service total professionalism which I haven’t come across recently, great team whom care about the patient journey I most certainly didn’t just feel like a number under their care . Thank you to all staff at Larkham House Dental Practice.

Anthony Grave

20:07 12 May 21

Very good

brian rogers

16:08 18 Mar 21

On the 18/3/21 I had 2 extractions From the outset the staff were very friendly helpful and very professional the Dentist was brilliant I never felt hardly any of the extractions I will definitely use a again excellent service thank you...

First Dental Visit: What Parents Should Expect

BLOG