Short answer
Children are generally seen every six months, with the first visit recommended around the time the first tooth appears or by the first birthday. Your dentist may suggest a different interval based on decay risk.
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Start early, and keep it light
An early first visit is mostly about familiarity. A child who has sat in the chair a few times while nothing was wrong is far calmer if a filling is ever needed. It also gives parents a chance to ask about brushing, thumb-sucking, dummies, bottles and diet before habits set.
Why six months is the usual rhythm
Children's teeth change quickly and decay progresses faster in baby teeth than in adult ones. Regular short visits catch problems while they are small and let the dentist track the adult teeth coming through.
Some children need more frequent visits — for example if they have had decay before or wear braces — and some may be spaced further apart. Your dentist will say which applies.
What happens at a check-up
A count and look at the teeth, a check of the gums and bite, a discussion about brushing and diet, and often fluoride varnish. Sealants may be recommended for the grooved biting surfaces of adult back teeth, where decay most often starts.
Making it easy
Book at a time your child is normally rested rather than at the end of a long day. Avoid words like 'hurt' or 'needle' beforehand, even to reassure. Let them bring a familiar toy. And bring them along to your own appointments so the office feels ordinary.
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