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When should my child first see a dentist?

Canadian guidelines say a child should see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, and no later than their first birthday.

This is the official position of the Canadian Dental Association and is endorsed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Strength of evidence

Good

This is based on consistent professional guideline statements (Tier 1) from Canadian dental and paediatric bodies, though the underlying supporting research is mostly observational rather than randomized trials.

What the evidence says

In Canada, dentists and doctors agree that kids should have their first dental check-up early. The Canadian Dental Association recommends the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. The Canadian Paediatric Society supports this same timing.

Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, so this often means a visit around 6 to 12 months of age, and definitely by their first birthday even if teeth haven't shown up yet.

The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. Early visits let the dentist check how teeth are developing, offer advice on brushing and fluoride, and catch any early decay before it becomes painful or expensive to fix.

After that first visit, most children should have a dental exam every six months so small problems get caught early. Starting early also helps kids get used to the dentist, so visits feel normal rather than scary.

Worth knowing: research shows many Canadian dentists still don't recommend a first visit by 12 months, even though it's the official CDA position, so don't be surprised if your dentist suggests a slightly later age. You can still ask for an earlier visit if you'd like.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked August 4, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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