If we re to succeed at preventing dental disease, we must initiate oral health care at a very early age so we can provide optimal opportunity for children to be free from oral disease. In the past, health professionals traditionally recommended children have their first dental visit by age 3. The current approach, first expressed by the AAPD as part of its Infant Oral Health Care Policy, recommends the first visit occur by the child s first birthday. The AADP s policy, said Dr. Thomas, advises that a postnatal initial oral evaluation should occur within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than 12 months of age. The most important purpose for early infant visits is to begin a practical prevention program because dental problems may begin early.
Experts note tooth troubles begin with the bottle.
Dental disease can be well established by the time a child reaches the age of 3.