Many parents wait too long for orthodontic checkups. Golden Mile Marbella pediatric dentists explain why age 6-7 is critical and what early visits can prevent.Visit https://clinicadentalacampana.com/
Pediatric dentists recommend children have their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. Yes, that may sound surprisingly early, but the science is clear. Across Spain and Europe, most families wait until age 3, 4, or even 5, by which time many children already face dental problems that could have been prevented.
Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 children between ages 2 and 5 already have cavities. And with every year parents delay beyond the first birthday, the risk of tooth decay almost doubles.
Golden Mile Marbella pediatric dentists explain why that first birthday milestone matters, what happens at these early checkups, and how starting early can protect your child’s smile for life.
Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and pediatric dental organizations across Europe agree that children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or six months after their first tooth erupts.
So why do most parents wait? Surveys reveal that:
Over half never receive this guidance from their pediatrician or dentist. One in six believe children shouldn’t see a dentist until age 4 or older.
Also, there are common misconceptions at play too. Some parents assume babies don’t have enough teeth yet, or that baby teeth “don’t matter” because they’ll fall out anyway. But baby teeth are crucial since they hold space for permanent teeth, support speech development, and allow proper chewing. Losing them too early can create long-term issues for adult teeth still years away.
Why Start So Early?
That first dental visit isn't really about the teeth. During the visit, dentists evaluate gum health and oral development, check for signs of early decay or enamel problems, assess jaw development and bite formation, and identify habits that might cause future issues like thumb sucking, pacifier use, or problematic bottle-feeding patterns.
But most importantly, they teach parents how to care for their baby’s teeth, like how to clean gums, when brushing and flossing should begin, how to prevent “baby bottle tooth decay,” and what foods support healthy oral development.
The earlier problems are caught, the easier (and less invasive) they are to treat. In some cases, early signs of decay can even be reversed before a cavity forms.
What to Expect at Baby’s First Dental Visit
Parents often imagine their toddler struggling in the dentist’s chair. In reality, the first visit is usually gentle and reassuring.
Length: 30–45 minutes, with most time spent in discussion.
Positioning: Babies typically sit on a parent’s lap for comfort.
Exam: A gentle check of gums, teeth, and mouth tissues. Cleaning is optional and X-rays are rare unless needed.
Guidance: Brushing and flossing tips, fluoride needs, diet advice, and what to expect as teeth come in.
These early visits create positive associations, as children who see the dentist from infancy grow up viewing checkups as a normal part of life, making visits far less stressful as they get older.
While age 1 marks the start of dental care, age 6 is another key checkpoint. That’s when orthodontists recommend the first evaluation.
At this stage, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving orthodontists a clearer picture of jaw growth and bite alignment. Early signs of crowding, spacing issues, overbite, underbite, or crossbite can often be corrected more easily while bones are still developing.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
Between regular checkups, parents should look out for red flags that warrant an earlier visit:
Tooth pain or sensitivity, especially at night Visible spots or discoloration on teeth Swollen or bleeding gums Persistent bad breath Early or late tooth loss Difficulty chewing Thumb sucking past age 4
Each of these can signal underlying issues that shouldn’t wait for the next scheduled exam.
The way children experience their first visits shapes how they’ll view dental care for years. Parents can help by:
Talking positively about the dentist beforehand Reading books or watching kid-friendly videos on dental visits Practicing “open wide” games at home Staying calm and encouraging, since children pick up on parental anxiety
Modern pediatric practices also play their part, with child-friendly spaces, trained staff, and technology that makes procedures quicker and more comfortable than in the past.
What If You’ve Missed the Ideal Starting Age?
If your child is 3, 4, or even older and hasn’t seen a dentist yet, don’t worry, it’s not too late. The first exam may be more involved, possibly with X-rays and cleaning, but dentists are experienced in making older children feel at ease.
From that point on, regular six-month visits put your child back on track. Prevention remains key: brushing, flossing, and healthy habits still go a long way in protecting both baby and permanent teeth.
The Takeaway: Early Visits Build Lifelong Habits The bottom line is simple:
First dental visit by age 1 Regular checkups every six months Orthodontic assessment around age 6–7
These early steps prevent problems, reduce long-term costs, and establish healthy routines that last a lifetime.
Think of it as investing in peace of mind. Preventive care is easier, cheaper, and far less stressful than treating decay or correcting advanced orthodontic problems later on.
Even if you’ve missed that “ideal” first birthday milestone, scheduling your child’s first dental appointment now can set them up for a healthier, happier smile tomorrow. Want more information about how to care for your little one's teeth? Check out the website in the description. Clínica Dental la Campana City: Marbella Address: Calle Quevedo, Nº5, Portal 6, Website: https://clinicadentalacampana.com/