The answer to this question may surprise you, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children first see a dentist by their first birthday. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your child will need a full cleaning at this age. However, it’s important to establish a relationship with a dentist so that you can have a partner in keeping your child’s teeth healthy. During this first visit, the dentist will likely just perform a brief exam and give you some tips on how to care for your child’s teeth. They may also recommend when you should schedule future appointments. For most children, this will be once every six months. However, if your child has any existing dental problems, such as cavities, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits. The bottom line is that it’s never too early to start caring for your child’s teeth. By scheduling an appointment with a dentist, you can help ensure that your child has a lifetime of healthy smiles.