Wondering when your little one should get his first dental checkup? It may be sooner than you think. The American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and even the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend your child see a dentist within six months of the eruption of his first tooth – and no later than his first birthday.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a child's first dental visit is education, for both you and your child, says Dr. Carol Summerhays, a spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry based in San Diego, Calif. The dentist will discuss proper cleaning, nutrition and the management of potentially adverse habits such as thumb-sucking, sugary snacks or inappropriate use of bottles or nursing.

These early visits are also screening visits, especially if your toddler has several primary teeth already or is older. "Basically, we're working to prevent future problems," says Wendi Garnett, a dental hygienist in Monroe, La. Your child's teeth, gums, jaw and oral tissues will be checked for both signs of decay and developmental problems.

Should anything special be done to prepare for the first trip to the dentist? It depends on the child – and the parent, says Dr. Summerhays. "What we usually recommend is that the parents bring the child in with them on one of their cleaning appointments, or at least bring the child in for a visit before their first appointment," she says. This helps familiarize the children with the dental office and staff.

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