The Little Teeth
WorkshopPediatric dentistry · New Jersey

For baby & toddler families • Princeton area, NJ

First Dental Visit
by Age 1

A short, gentle “well-baby” visit for teeth — as soon as the first tooth appears, or by your child’s first birthday.

Book the first visit Call 609-200-5437

A little look. Time for questions. A reassuring start.

Illustration of a smiling baby sitting on a parent's lap in a welcoming dental room
A little illustration of a warm welcome.
Usually 20–30 minutesYour child stays close to youLawrence Township & Robbinsville, NJ

A first birthday.
A first dental home.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental home by the first birthday. It’s a chance to get comfortable together, not just check for cavities.

Early visits can spot bottle-related tooth decay, check tongue and lip ties when relevant, and help you feel confident about brushing. Waiting until age 3 can mean the first visit is for a cavity rather than a routine checkup.

Guidance: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
First toothStart brushing. Plan a visit.
By the first birthdayMeet your child’s dental home.
About 6 months laterCome back as recommended.

A little look, a lot of reassurance.

Usually 20–30 minutes

Most first visits need no X-rays and no treatment. We make space for your questions and take things one small step at a time.

  1. 01

    Stay close, get comfortable

    For a knee-to-knee exam, you and the dental professional sit facing each other. Your child starts on your lap, facing you, then gently reclines with their head supported on the clinician’s lap.

  2. 02

    Count those little teeth

    We look at enamel, gums, and bite, and check how your child’s mouth is developing.

  3. 03

    Make a plan together

    We talk about feeding, fluoride, pacifiers, and a home routine that works for your family.

A parent holds her child’s hands during a knee-to-knee dental exam, with the child’s head supported on the dental professional’s lap.
The knee-to-knee position keeps you close. We adjust the exam to your child’s comfort.

Small questions.
Useful, everyday answers.

  • Brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste
  • Breastfeeding, bottles, sippy cups, and night-time milk
  • Teething and when teeth usually erupt
  • Pacifier and thumb habits
  • Fluoride varnish when it’s a good fit
  • What to do if a tooth is bumped
  • When to return — often in 6 months

Is it time to come in?

  • Your baby has one or more teeth.
  • Your child is turning 1 and hasn’t seen a dentist.
  • Your toddler is new to Central NJ and needs a dental home.
  • You’ve noticed white spots, staining, or bad breath.
  • Your baby was premature or has special health needs. Come earlier if your pediatrician suggests it.
How much toothpaste? A tiny smear on a toothbrush for children under age 3; a pea-sized amount for ages 3 and older.
Under age 3, use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. We’ll show you how.

A few ways to make it easier.

Choose a time when your child is usually happy, not overdue for a nap. Bring a favorite blanket, and keep the grown-up group small — one calm adult in the room is better than a crowd.

Try saying, “We’ll count your teeth and get a prize or sticker.” Avoid promising that no one will look in their mouth.

And after the visit?

You leave with a simple home plan. If fluoride varnish was applied, follow the eating and brushing timing we give you. Call with feeding or teething questions anytime.

Reserve your child’s
first visit.

A gentle beginning at The Little Teeth Workshop.

Book the first visit

Lawrence Township

505 Lawrence Sq Blvd S, Suite B
Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

Robbinsville

1 Union St, Suite 107
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

We’re here to help

609-200-5437
thelittleteeth.com

Welcoming families from Princeton, Lawrenceville, West Windsor, Plainsboro, Hamilton, and Robbinsville.