Parents of newborn babies have a lot to deal with, from diapers to doctor appointments. Worrying about taking your baby to a dentist doesn’t have to happen until after the baby gets his or her first tooth – but how soon after that?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should visit a dentist by the time they are one year old. A good time to make the first appointment is when your baby gets his first tooth. If that seems a little early, consider that one in four preschoolers have cavities before they are four years old, with many kids getting their first cavity by the age of two.

Your child’s first dental visit is usually a short one designed to acquaint the child with the dentist and dentist’s office and to let you talk to the dentist about your child’s oral health. The dentist can tell you about fluoride, answer any concerns you have about thumb sucking or pacifier use and tell you what to expect as far as teething is concerned. Take the time to ask the dentist any questions you have, because this first visit is for you as well as your child. Continue reading When Can A Child Visit A Dentist? →