Why it's done

Regular dental exams help protect your child's oral health. They give your child's dentist a chance to detect problems early, when they're most treatable, and provide tips for caring for your child's teeth.

When to have a dental exam

Various factors might determine how frequently your child needs to have a dental exam, including age, health and risk of tooth decay. Consider these general guidelines:

• Ages 6 months to 1 year. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend scheduling a child's first dental exam after the first tooth erupts and no later than the first birthday. Also expect your baby's teeth and gums to be examined at well-baby checkups.
• Toddlers, school-age children and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling regular dental checkups, with the most common interval being every six months. However, the dentist might recommend fewer or more-frequent visits depending on your child's risk factors for oral health problems.