Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and play a role in chewing and speech development, so caring for them starts as soon as the first tooth appears. Here’s when that first dental visit is generally recommended.
Recommended Timing
The ADA, AAPD, and AAP recommend scheduling a baby’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, and no later than their first birthday. The first visit typically involves checking how the teeth, bite, and gums are developing and reviewing oral hygiene habits with parents, along with discussing habits like thumb-sucking or teeth grinding that could affect how teeth come in.
Caring for Baby Teeth at Home
Once the first tooth appears, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Flossing can be introduced once teeth start touching each other. Putting a baby to bed with a bottle, or letting them sip sugary drinks for long stretches, is best avoided since both are associated with a higher risk of early childhood cavities.
How Often to Go Back
After the first visit, checkups roughly every six months to a year tend to be recommended to keep track of how teeth are coming in. Since baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, regular checkups also help catch cavities or early tooth loss before they affect how permanent teeth come in. A well-child visit’s oral health check can complement, but doesn’t replace, these dental visits.
When to Seek Care Right Away
A tooth that’s knocked out or broken after a fall or bump, gums that are severely swollen or show pus, or a toothache accompanied by facial swelling and fever call for prompt dental or emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment. This information is based on U.S. (ADA/AAPD) guidance; if you live elsewhere, check with a local pediatric dentist for country-specific recommendations. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.