Many times, parents will make the mistake of waiting until their children start school or have a full set of baby teeth before taking them to the dentist. But experts actually recommend that children visit the dentist much earlier than that.

Most dental experts recommend you take your children to the dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually between six months and a year of age. This is important for a number of reasons, the main one being prevention. Surprisingly enough, dental decay and problems can begin in infancy. Even though you can't see the teeth, they're still there - babies are born with about 20 baby teeth formed in the jaw. Your child's dentist will discuss with you the best ways to prevent decay in baby teeth, including a common condition called bottle mouth. This occurs when children are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugars in these liquids can lead to decay in baby teeth.

On your child's first visit, the dentist will conduct an abbreviated exam while your baby sits on your lap. The dentist will teach you how to care for your child's baby teeth. This may include running a damp washcloth over your baby's teeth after nursing or bottle feeding to prevent the build-up of bacteria in the mouth and on the gums, or using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the baby teeth. Your child's first trip to the dentist will probably also include:

?    Providing you with a program of preventative care for your child, including how to brush and floss, as well as the importance of diet.
?    A risk assessment for cavities. Generally, children who drink a lot of juice, as well as children whose parents have had cavities, are at a higher risk. Your child's dentist will assess the risk and recommend ways to prevent cavities.
?    Information about finger, thumb and pacifier habits and how the affect your child's dental health
?    General information about the child's teeth growth and development

In addition, the dentist will answer any questions you may have.

Picking the right dentist
You will not want to take your child to your own dentist for his or her first check-up. Rather, it's important that you take your child to a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist is one who specializes in caring for children's teeth and preventing dental problems. They have extensive training in dental school working with children exclusively.

When looking for a pediatric dentist, ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors. Before taking your child to the dentist, ask about their policy on first visits (some dentists have an age limit and won't see children under a year). You may also want to ask how long they've been in practice and make sure they are in good standing with the American Dental Association.
Proper dental care begins in infancy. Your child's first trip to the dentist should begin before his or her first birthday and will put him or her on the road to proper dental care throughout life.