When should baby get first dental exam

A baby should have a first dental exam when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday, whichever comes first.

The visit checks erupting teeth, gums, oral tissues, feeding habits, and exposure to sugars or drinks. It also gives caregivers practical guidance before decay or a bite problem becomes established.

Wipe an infant’s gums with clean damp gauze, then brush erupted teeth with a small soft brush and a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste. Avoid putting a baby to sleep with a bottle containing milk or a sweet drink.

Arrange an earlier visit for a tooth injury, dark or chalky tooth surface, gum swelling, pain, feeding difficulty, or a tooth that has not erupted as expected. Facial swelling or fever needs prompt assessment.

Ask how to brush the child’s teeth, which toothpaste amount is appropriate, how feeding affects decay, and whether fluoride exposure, enamel appearance, or eruption needs monitoring.