All children need early and regular dental care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a health professional, such as a pediatrician, perform a risk assessment for dental health problems by the time your child is 6 months of age.¹ If he or she is considered to be at high risk, a visit to a dentist is recommended at 6 months of age or no later than 6 months after the first tooth erupts. If your child is not in a high-risk category, the AAP recommends that he or she visit the dentist by age 3.¹

Many parents dread their child's first visit to the dentist's office. If you have concerns about how your child will behave, talk to your dentist before scheduling the visit. Your dentist may allow your child to come in once or twice before being examined. These types of visits help prepare your child and often make him or her more comfortable with the dentist, other staff, and the office environment. You may also try finding books about visiting the dentist that are designed to help a young child prepare for the first dental exam.

Regular dental visits are important to teach your child good dental care and to help prevent cavities and other problems. The exam also helps to identify and treat problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. For more information on routine checkups and tooth care, see the topics Basic Dental Care and Tooth Decay.