Sparrow Hill Pediatric Dentistry Call

Your baby's first dental visit in Ocala

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises a first visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. You hold your baby the whole time.

A baby in a soft blue onesie lies on a blanket

Why so early

A pair of knitted cream baby booties and a small wooden toothbrush on a chunky knit blanket.

Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help your child chew and speak. Decay in baby teeth is common, and easier to prevent than to treat. An early visit finds soft spots before they become cavities.

What happens at the visit

A baby in a white onesie lies on her back on a cushioned bench in a bright room, a gray chair behind

We use a knee to knee exam. You sit facing the dentist with your baby on your lap, then lay your baby back onto the dentist's knees. Your baby can see you the whole time.

  • We count the teeth and check the gums.
  • We look for early decay.
  • We may paint on fluoride varnish, which takes seconds.
  • We show you how to brush.

How to prepare

Soft toys and a blanket wait on a sofa by a sunny window

Book a time after a nap and a feed. Bring your questions. Crying is normal at this age and does not stop a good exam.

Questions about first visits for babies and toddlers

My baby has only two teeth. Is it too early?

No. The first tooth is the right time to start. The visit takes about twenty minutes.

Does insurance cover the first visit?

Most dental plans and Florida Medicaid dental plans cover checkups for babies. Call with your plan name and we will check.

Reviewed by Dr. Annika Ferrante, DMD, October 7, 2026