Okay, so I need to figure out at what age dental checkups should begin. I remember that it’s important for kids to start going to the dentist early, but I’m not exactly sure when. Maybe when their first tooth comes in? That makes sense because you want to catch any issues early on. I think the American Dental Association or some pediatric organization recommends this.

Wait, I’ve heard that some parents wait until their child is older, like 3 or 4, but that might be too late. Early checkups can prevent problems like tooth decay. Also, it’s about getting the child used to the dentist so they don’t develop a fear.

I should also consider if there are any signs that a child needs to go earlier than the first tooth. Maybe if there are discolorations or if the teeth are coming in crooked. But generally, the first tooth is the starting point.

So, putting it all together, the answer is that dental checkups should start when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday. This ensures early detection of any issues and helps in teaching good oral hygiene habits from the beginning.

Dental checkups should begin when the first tooth appears or by the child’s first birthday. This early start helps in detecting any potential issues promptly and instills good oral hygiene habits from an early age.