Dentist Ricardo Perez: It is critical that dental care starts
early. We want all children to have healthy teeth, beautiful
smiles, and benefit from excellent dental health. Narrator: Dr.
Ricardo Perez is a third-generation pediatric dentist in Chevy
Chase, Maryland, and a member of the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry. Dentist: There we go, Chase. You are a very
handsome boy. And Mom, you are here for your first dental visit?
Narrator: When should you first take your child to the dentist?
Different experts have slightly different answers to this
question. What they agree on is that the first visit should
happen no later than your child's first birthday. The American
Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you take your child in
sooner if he's at high risk for dental decay. Your baby's doctor
can help you decide this at his regular well-baby checkups. The
American Dental Association and the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry advise bringing your baby in for a visit as
soon as his first tooth appears. I