A recent survey from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan shows that one in six parents who have received no advice from doctors are likely to wait until age 4 or older to seek dental care for their children, even though the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association suggest dental care should begin no later than age 1 or when the first teeth appear.

Early dental visits are extremely important in promoting a lifetime of healthy teeth and oral health habits, said Dr. David Buck, founder of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics in Lynnwood, Washington.