A big question for most parents is when a child should first see their dentist for a preliminary dental examination. 

An answer answer to this question is that your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday.  Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that children who are at potential risk of getting early childhood cavities should visit a dentist by the time they are 1 years old.  Formerly the answer to this question was after a child's first tooth came in, but national public health groups have updated their advice.

Because more than one in four children in the United States today have cavities by the time they reach the age of four, and sometimes as early as the age of two, children should visit a dentist sooner rather than later.  Parents can help at home by managing a child's diet to avoid sugary snacks and assist a child with good oral hygiene such as brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.

By taking your child to the dentist early, you encourage healthy dental habits and help to prevent problems before they start for a lifetime of great smiles.