“When Should My Cub Have Their First Dental Check? “
When Should My Cub Have Their First Dental Check?
A Bear-y Important Question!
At Molar Bears Dental Care, we know that parenting can sometimes feel like wrestling with a grizzly. Between nap schedules, picky eating, and endless piles of laundry, it’s easy for dental care to be pushed down the honey jar. But just like brushing twice a day, one thing should never be forgotten: your cub’s very first trip to the dentist.
So, when should it happen? Let’s sink our teeth into the facts (pun very much intended).
The Goldilocks Rule: Not Too Early, Not Too Late, Just Right
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children have their first dental visit when their first tooth erupts, or by 12 months of age - whichever comes first (ADA, 2019). Similarly, the New Zealand Ministry of Health encourages early enrolment in dental services from birth, with checks starting as soon as those pearly whites begin to peek through (Ministry of Health NZ, 2020).
Why so early? Because even baby teeth can develop decay. In fact, dental caries is the most common chronic disease in Australian children (AIHW, 2020). And just like a bear cub learning to fish, good habits start young.
The Bear Necessities: Why Early Visits Matter
Cavity Detection Before They Get Grrrizzly
Baby teeth are more vulnerable to decay than adult teeth. Early visits allow oral health therapists and dentists to catch little problems before they grow into bear-sized issues.Healthy Habits, Healthy Smiles
A first visit is not just about spotting cavities - it’s about teaching families the basics of brushing, diet, and habits. Think of it as setting up the picnic blanket before the feast.Comfort in the cave
If children only visit the dentist when something hurts, they can develop dental anxiety. Early, fun, and positive visits help them see the dental chair as a fun as a teddy bear’s picnic rather than a scary trap.Tracking Growth and Development
Just as a cub grows quickly, so do jaws and teeth. Early checks mean your child’s bite, spacing, and oral development can be monitored. Issues like tongue ties, thumb sucking, or airway concerns can be spotted early.
Don’t Hibernate on Dental Visits
Research shows that children who see a dentist before the age of two have fewer dental problems and lower treatment costs over their lifetime (Arrow, 2016, Australian Dental Journal). Waiting until preschool age can sometimes be too late - decay may already have made itself at home like an uninvited bear at a campsite.
What to Expect at the First Visit (No Need to Growl)
A child’s first dental check is usually short, sweet, and filled with smiles. At Molar Bears Dental Care, we like to keep things paw-sitive. Here’s what typically happens:
A friendly chat about your child’s eating, drinking, and brushing habits.
A gentle look inside your child’s mouth - no scary tools, just a peek at the little chompers.
Guidance on how to brush effectively (spoiler: most toddlers think chewing the brush counts).
Tips on healthy snacks and drinks to keep decay away.
Time for parents to ask questions, whether it’s about dummies, thumb sucking, or why your cub drools like a waterfall.
No roaring drills, no claws out - just reassurance, guidance, and a gentle introduction.
Tooth or Dare: Common Myths Busted
“They’re just baby teeth, they’ll fall out anyway.”
→ False. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and affect the spacing for adult teeth. Losing them too early can crowd the cave for the permanent teeth.
“My child doesn’t eat lollies, so we’re safe.”
→ Not quite. Hidden sugars in juices, dried fruit, and even some toddler snacks can feed cavity-causing bacteria. It’s not just about honey pots, but all the sneaky sugar sources.
“If my child brushes twice a day, we don’t need a dentist yet.”
→ Brushing is important, but professional guidance, fluoride advice, and monitoring development are just as vital.
How to Prepare Your Cub for Their First Visit
Play pretend: Have your child open wide while you count their teeth.
Read a story: Choose a children’s book about visiting the dentist.
Use bear-y positive language: Avoid words like “hurt” or “needle.” Instead, talk about “counting teeth” or “making them shiny.”
Bring comfort: A favourite toy or blanket can help keep things calm.
Set an example: Children are more likely to enjoy visits if they see you keeping up with your own dental care.
Bear in Mind: Prevention Saves More Than Teeth
The impact of oral health goes beyond the mouth. Poor dental health in children has been linked to sleep disturbances, speech delays, and reduced school readiness (Jamieson et al., 2016, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health).
And here’s the paw-sitive news: Early intervention dramatically reduces these risks. Regular check-ups from infancy mean fewer fillings, less pain, and a lifetime of better health.
The Bear-y Big Picture
At Molar Bears, our mission is to make dental care less of a growl and more of a giggle. The first dental visit is a milestone, just like the first step or the first word. By starting early - ideally by your child’s first birthday - you’re giving them the best chance for a healthy, confident smile.
Think of it as teaching your cub to fish in the river of life. Once they learn early, they’ll never go hungry. Or in this case, they’ll never go without a strong, healthy smile.
Final Growl
So, when should your cub first see the dentist? By their first tooth or first birthday. It’s simple, evidence-based, and bear-y important. Don’t hibernate on it - book today, and let Molar Bears help your little one smile with confidence.
Sources
Australian Dental Association (2019). Children and Oral Health – First Dental Visit.
Ministry of Health NZ (2020). Enrolling Children in Oral Health Services.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020). Australia’s Children: Oral Health.
Arrow, P. (2016). Oral health of Australian children: the early childhood years. Australian Dental Journal.
Jamieson, L. et al. (2016). Oral health inequalities and the impact on children. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
