When should a baby have their first dental visit?

What does the evidence say about a baby's first dental visit?

1. Both the AAP and AAPD recommend establishing a dental home by age one. The appointment is useful even when only a few teeth have erupted. If no pediatric dentist is nearby, a general dentist comfortable caring for young children is another option. 1
2. Early visits focus on the habits and circumstances affecting the child’s mouth. Bring questions about nighttime bottles, frequent sipping, tooth cleaning and visible changes. Baby teeth support eating and speech, so waiting for permanent teeth misses an important period of care. 2
3. Tell the dentist about drinking water, toothpaste and any fluoride supplements. Varnish may be part of care after teeth erupt. Coordination with the pediatrician helps clarify what has already been applied and when the next application or check is due. 3
4. Primary teeth appear at different ages. Some babies have no erupted tooth near their first birthday, but the age-one dental recommendation still applies. A visit lets the dentist assess development rather than making a conclusion from another child’s teething timeline. 1
5. Visible pits, persistent tooth discoloration or sensitivity deserve attention between routine visits. Early decay can be painless, so describe what you see when scheduling rather than using the absence of crying as proof that nothing is wrong. 4

Questions to bring to the appointment

• Describe the current brushing routine and any tooth changes.
• Share bottle, cup and nighttime feeding patterns without worrying about blame.
• Ask when to return and how dental care will coordinate with pediatric visits.