Why Your Child Should See a Dentist by Their First Tooth

Many parents wait until kindergarten for their child’s first dental visit, but did you know the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child see a dentist when their first tooth appears—or no later than their first birthday? There are important reasons behind this early start:

👶 1. Prevention starts before the first tooth fully erupts
Cavities don’t need years to develop—some children begin showing signs of decay just weeks after a tooth emerges. But the foundation for healthy teeth actually begins even earlier. Diet, habits, and oral hygiene routines can set the stage for a cavity-free mouth.

🔍 2. Spotting early cavities before they grow
Some kids are naturally more cavity-prone than others. Early visits allow us to detect and address issues before they progress into painful or costly problems.

👄 3. Checking spacing and facial growth
Baby teeth should have gaps between them. This spacing signals that your child’s jaw and face are developing properly. Crowded teeth not only affect alignment but can impact breathing and facial structure later on.

🪥 4. Teaching good oral hygiene habits
Children thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent nighttime routine that includes brushing and flossing sets them up for lifelong oral health. Fluoride isn’t a must—in fact, I often recommend hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids who are prone to cavities.

🩻 What About Dental X-Rays?

Parents often ask me if X-rays are necessary for little ones. My answer: only when there’s a reason.

If a child has a visible or suspected cavity, we take an X-ray to determine if the decay has reached the pulp (nerve). This information helps us offer treatment choices and gives parents the clarity they need for informed consent.

By around age 6, I typically recommend a panoramic X-ray to check if all the adult teeth are forming correctly. It's also a helpful baseline to have if your child ever develops cavities that can’t be seen with the naked eye. In my practice, I’ve seen many cases where decay was only detectable through X-rays.

✅ 9 Tips Every Mom Should Know to Help Prevent Cavities

1. Encourage nasal breathing, not mouth breathing
Saliva is your child’s natural defense. Mouth breathing dries it out, lowering pH and making it easier for bacteria to thrive.

2. Look for spaces between baby teeth
Tight baby teeth need flossing. Spacing is a sign of healthy jaw development.

3. Prioritize fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamins D3, K2, A, and E are like buses—they deliver minerals to the bones and teeth. Don’t skip these!

4. Focus on whole-food minerals
Boost foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and manganese. Liver is one of the most powerful mineral-dense foods available.

5. Reduce sugar and processed foods
Processed carbs—even organic ones—feed cavity-causing bacteria. If your child has cavities, limit all sweeteners.

6. Use filtered water—and add minerals back in
Filtering is great, but it removes minerals. Add trace minerals or a pinch of sea salt to restore balance.

7. Include fermented foods daily
Kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut help build a diverse gut microbiome—and a strong immune system (70% of it lives in the gut!).

8. Brush twice a day, or after meals
Start brushing when the first tooth appears. Morning and nighttime brushing is a must.

9. Choose hydroxyapatite toothpaste over fluoride
Hydroxyapatite is safe, effective, and supports natural enamel repair. Herbal or homeopathic mouthwashes are gentle and help keep the mouth fresh—without disrupting the microbiome.

💡 Final Thought
Your child’s teeth and bones act as a reservoir for minerals your body needs. When those minerals run low, the body pulls them from the teeth first. That’s why oral health is a reflection of overall health.

—
True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist