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When Is It Time for Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

May 13, 2025

exciting and stressful time. On one side, it’s an important milestone—on the other, it marks the beginning of the teething stage and signals it’s time for their first visit to the family dentist in Charleston, SC.

That tooth is just the first of many more to come, and while they may fall out at some point, keeping all 20 baby teeth healthy and clean is important to your child’s health. Here’s the first step into achieving that.

Little Boy at His First Visit to the Family Dentist in Charleston SC

What Happens in My Baby’s First Dental Visit?

You should take your child to the dentist for the first time once they turn one year old or six months after the emergence of their first tooth, whichever comes first.

After that first appointment, we advise parents to return every six months. Frequent visits allow us ample opportunity to track the growth of their teeth and treat any possible issues, such as cavities or malocclusion, as soon as they arise.

It can be tempting to consider baby teeth somewhat disposable because they will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. However, primary teeth aid in developing clear speech and maintain the space needed for the permanent teeth to emerge.

Additionally, decay and infections in baby teeth can damage their permanent teeth.

Little Girl at her First Visit to the Family Dentist in Charleston SC

Visit a Family Dentist in Charleston, SC, and Set a Path of Lifelong Good Oral Health

When it comes to oral health, there is no magic formula or secret cure; instead, the condition of your smile is determined by the daily care you perform. For your child’s good oral health to last a lifetime, they must learn the value of routine dental checkups.

At North Rivers Dental, we have the tools to examine and treat young patients with kindness and care. We want your child’s first visit to be the best experience possible, so please reach out beforehand and let us know about them. Together, let’s work hard to ensure their smiles are in optimal state!

Contact Us To Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Hear It From Them

The best way to understand our commitment to quality care is to hear from those who know us best—our patients! We’re proud of the work we do and invite you to see what they have to say:

This was my first visit, and I am truly impressed!  The facility is very inviting in every way, the staff is outstanding, kind, & professional, and I am happy to say that I have found my dental home place! 😊  Thank You!

Deborah A..

It brings happy tears to my eyes knowing that my smile is fixed. Dr. Jake worked for 2 1/2 hours repairing old, cracked fillings, sealed between my teeth. This weighed on my confidence for three years and I barely ever wanted to talk. My teeth are restored back to their original state and it’s unbelievable what a patient, and kind dentist can do for one’s confidence. I owe ya one, Dr Jake!"

Alejandra M.

Scheduled my elderly mother a new patient visit and every single staff member we were in contact with was EXTREMELY helpful and so sweet! I’m thinking of switching myself! We couldn’t be happier with this office!

Alison F.

I have been going to Dr Emerson at North Rivers Dental for years now and every time I go I never had a bad experience. Thank you all!

Cynthia D.
10/18/2019

I have been going to North Rivers for 10+ years, I have always received excellent care, the staff is helpful and very friendly.

Glenn J.
10/28/2019

Dr Cates is exceptionally talented in the dental profession. Everyone at North Rivers Dental are so helpful and friendly.

James T.
09/09/2019

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