The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or their first tooth, whichever comes first! Baby teeth are very important in a child’s early physical, social, and psychological development; they help your baby chew, speak and smile! And though they eventually fall out, baby teeth are very important place-holders for a child’s developing and permanent adult teeth. It is also important to establish a dental home for children early on so that they do not foster dental anxiety and, most importantly, so that they learn to develop good oral habits for decades to come.