At what age should a child have their first dental visit?

When to Take Your Child to the First Dental Visit

The first dental examination should occur within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth but no later than 12 months of age, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). 1, 2

Recommendations by Professional Organizations

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the first dental visit within six months after the first tooth erupts or by 12 months of age 1
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends an initial dental evaluation at 24 months of age 1, 2
• These differing recommendations have created some inconsistency in clinical practice, with many children not receiving early dental care 1

Rationale for Early Dental Visits

• By three years of age, poor oral hygiene or improper feeding habits may have already compromised oral health 1
• Early dental intervention provides opportunities for:
  • Parent education on proper oral hygiene 1
  • Prevention of dental injuries 1
  • Prevention of nursing caries 1
  • Allowing children to become comfortable in the dental office 1
• The "two is too late" concept recognizes that preventive interventions need to begin earlier to be successful 1

Current Reality vs. Recommendations

• In practice, most children do not see a dentist until much later than recommended:
  • Only about 25% of two-year-old children have ever visited a dentist 1
  • By five years of age, 75% of children have seen a dentist 1
  • By seven years of age, 89% of children have received a dental examination 1
  • Recent studies show the most common age for first dental visit is between 6-9 years 3, 4

Common Reasons for First Dental Visits

• The most common reason for a child's first dental visit is unfortunately dental caries and its complications (59.86%) 5
• Only about 27% of first visits are for preventive examinations 5
• For children with visible cavities or at high risk, over 90% of physicians recommend immediate dental visits 6

Benefits of Early Dental Care

• Establishing a "dental home" by 12 months provides:
  • Comprehensive oral health care 1
  • Risk assessment for caries 1
  • Anticipatory guidance on oral hygiene and diet 1
  • Early intervention for dental problems 1
• Early visits allow for supervised instruction on twice-daily use of fluoridated toothpaste beginning with the first tooth eruption 1

Practical Recommendations for Parents

• Schedule your child's first dental visit within 6 months after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday 1, 2
• Don't wait for dental problems to develop before seeking care 1
• Begin oral hygiene practices as soon as the first tooth erupts 2
• Use a rice grain-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste for children under 36 months 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Waiting until age 3 or older for the first dental visit (the traditional recommendation) can lead to preventable oral health problems 1
• Relying solely on pediatricians for oral health screening may be insufficient, as only a minority of physicians (33% of pediatricians and 19% of family physicians) regularly check for early signs of tooth decay 6
• Assuming primary teeth aren't important because they're temporary - this misconception leads to delayed care 3
• Focusing only on treatment rather than prevention - early visits are primarily about establishing good habits and preventing problems 1