Kids' Dental Health: Baby's First Dentist Visit

"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your baby should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

The most important reason to start this early is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is early childhood caries (also known as "baby bottle tooth decay" or "nursing caries"). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.

The earlier you start dental visits with your baby, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence. Start your kid now on a lifetime of good dental health.