When to first take your baby to the dentist

A baby’s first tooth is a little miracle for many parents, and the 6-year-old who is missing two front teeth is a natural charmer. But beyond that, do baby teeth warrant routine attention, such as taking a baby or toddler to the dentist?

The American Academy of PediatricDentistry’s answer is a resounding “yes.” In fact, the academy maintains that babies should be getting their first dental wellness check-ups by their first birthdays.

A baby’s first dental visit is to check for potential problems after any teeth have erupted. The dentist will examine teeth, gums and tongue, but most often, babies won’t have dental cleanings, said Robert Hynton, a pediatric dentist in Bradenton.