Obviously going to the dentist is important for oral health, but many parents do not know when to take children to the dentist. If you fit into this category, you may be asking yourself some of the following questions: When should I start taking my child to the dentist? How do I know if my child needs a dentist? How do I choose a dentist for my child? Should my child see a pediatric dentist? The list goes on. Let's try to answer some of these questions.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
The American Dental Association, also known as the ADA, recommends that parents take their child to a dentist around his or her first birthday. By this time children should have at least a few teeth. By going at about age one, the dentist a chance to look for early problems with your child's teeth.

Should I use a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists are great for children as they specialize in treating children's dental health. However, your family dentist will also be able to treat your child, so you may want to review cost difference, experience and specialty, as well as how significant the dental problems (if any) your child has. You and your child's dentist, whichever one you choose, should review important information about diet, bottles, tooth brushing and fluoride use.

Why start seeing a dentist so young?
Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist, and will also make your child much more conscious of their teeth, and how to properly clean them. It also establishes the good habit of regular dental check-ups.

What else should I know about my child's teeth, and seeing a dentist?
Well, obviously if your child ever has a toothache, or an abscess, seeing a dentist right away is important, however, by seeing a dentist before such problems occur, you greatly reduce the likelihood of them happening.

Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child's first tooth comes in.
At this point you do not need a full on toothbrush, as your child will only have one or two teeth. However, good oral care starts before teeth even come in. For example, wiping your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, you can either wipe them with a cloth, or start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day.

Once your child is preschool-age, can talk, and has a better understanding of the concept of brushing teeth, you can start using fluoride toothpaste. Your child should know to spit their toothpaste out, but to be on the safe side, don't cover the brush with toothpaste; a pea-sized amount is just right.

How can I know if my child has a cavity?
You can look, cavities are holes that are formed when bacteria (germs) in your mouth use the sugar in food to make acid, which then eats away at the teeth. Cavities will appear to be brown or black spots on the teeth. Cavities are the most common disease in children. So, if your child has a cavity, take them in to your dentist, and teach them how good tooth care can keep cavities from growing. Also, limit their intake of sugary foods, beverages, etc.

Your child also might be at risk for getting cavities more easily than someone else if they were born early (prematurely) or weighed very little at birth (low birth weight), have ongoing special health care needs, or does not go to the dentist often. So, take your child to the dentist starting at age one, and return every six months for a checkup, cleaning, and evaluation.