When should a toddler first see the dentist?

When the first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday, says Nationwide Children's Hospital.

How do I help a child scared of the dentist?

Keep it simple and calm: a general idea of what will happen, a morning appointment, and your own dental worries kept to yourself, since kids pick up on them.

Is there a book about going to the dentist for toddlers?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child, at their dentist, with the grown-up who brings them, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All fears

How to prepare your toddler for the dentist

Tell your child simply what will happen, keep your own nerves out of it, and let them picture the visit before the day.

Custom story for Priya

Priya nervously visits Dr. Lee for her first dentist checkup, climbs into the chair herself, and leaves with a purple bunny sticker.

Twenty Teeth and a Sparkly Smile

Story created for Priya

The first visit should come when the first tooth appears, and no later than age one, says Nationwide Children's Hospital. It suggests giving your child a general idea of what will happen, booking a morning appointment when they're rested, and keeping your own dental worries to yourself, since children pick up on them.

A social story is one way to picture it: a short story that walks your child through the waiting room, the big chair and the tooth counting before the day comes. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the grown-up who brings them and the lovey they hold.

For a doctor's checkup with a shot, see how to prepare your child for shots.

A dentist social story video starring your child

Here's how Priya's story goes.

In the waiting room, Priya counts the fish in the big tank, and her fingers stop feeling so tight.
The big blue chair leans back like a slide, under a round light Dr. Lee calls her little sun.
"I want to climb up by myself," Priya says, with Mom right beside her.
All twenty teeth counted, Priya picks a purple sticker with a tiny bunny on it.

Watch Priya’s whole story

Questions parents ask

When should a toddler first see the dentist?: When the first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday, says Nationwide Children's Hospital.
How do I help a child scared of the dentist?: Keep it simple and calm: a general idea of what will happen, a morning appointment, and your own dental worries kept to yourself, since kids pick up on them.
Is there a book about going to the dentist for toddlers?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child, at their dentist, with the grown-up who brings them, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated November 9, 2026.

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Tella Stories: personalized stories for kids