Pediatric Dental Care: When Should Kids Start Seeing the Dentist?

A Local Guide for Families in Saint Augustine, FL

As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life—including a healthy, confident smile. But one of the most common questions we hear at Dental Arts Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Saint Augustine is:

“When should my child first visit the dentist?”

We’re here to help answer that and offer a few tips that can make your child’s first dental visit a positive, stress-free experience.

🦷 When Should Children First See a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first.

Early visits are essential because they:

• Catch potential issues early (like baby bottle decay or misaligned bites)
• Establish good dental habits from the start
• Help your child get comfortable in a dental setting

At Dental Arts Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we make first visits educational and fun—helping your child build a lifelong foundation of excellent oral health.

📍 Why Pediatric Dental Care Is Important in Growing Communities Like Saint Augustine

Saint John’s County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., and with so many young families moving in, the need for pediatric dental care in Saint Augustine has never been greater.

As local residents ourselves, we understand the needs of our growing community. Our warm, family-focused approach makes our office a trusted destination for children’s dentistry in Saint Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and surrounding areas.

✅ What Happens During a Child’s First Dental Visit?

At jaxdentalarts.com, we aim to make your child’s first visit comfortable and informative. Here’s what you can expect:

• A gentle exam to check developing teeth, gums, and bite alignment
• Guidance on teething, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use
• Tips for brushing and flossing little teeth at home
• An opportunity for your child to explore the dental chair, tools, and office in a fun, low-pressure environment

Most importantly, we make the visit positive and pressure-free—because good experiences early on reduce anxiety in the long run.

🪥 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Their First Dentist Visit

• Read a children’s book about going to the dentist
• Practice opening their mouth wide at home like they would during an exam
• Talk about the visit in a positive way—avoid using words like “pain” or “hurt”
• Bring a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel comfortable

And remember—at our office, you’re welcome to stay with your child the entire time.

👨‍⚕️ Meet Your Saint Augustine Family Dentist

Dr. Khan and the team at Dental Arts Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are proud to offer gentle, compassionate care for patients of all ages. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or your teen’s routine cleaning, we provide a welcoming environment and the latest in modern dental care.

📞 Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

If you’ve been searching for a pediatric dentist near me or wondering about children’s dental care in Saint Augustine, FL, we’d love to welcome your family to ours!

📍 Located conveniently in Saint Augustine, Florida

🌐 Visit us at www.jaxdentalarts.com

📞 Call today to schedule: (904) 230-5590