When you’re a parent, your calendar is already packed—school pickups, sports practice, grocery runs, pediatrician visits, playdates, birthday parties… the list goes on. So when it comes to the dentist, it’s totally fair to wonder, “How often does my kid really need to go?”

We get it. At Hacienda Pediatric Dentistry, we hear this question a lot. And honestly, it’s a great one to ask because keeping up with regular dental visits is one of the easiest ways to prevent big issues down the road.

Let’s break it down by age to make things simple and clear—because parenting is already complicated enough.

Ages 0–1: The First Visit (Yes, Really!)

Surprised? Most parents are!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child sees a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth—whichever comes first.

You might be thinking, “But they only have one or two tiny teeth!” True, but early visits are all about prevention and education. We’ll check that everything’s developing as it should and give you tips on cleaning, teething, thumb-sucking, and diet.

It’s also a great way to get your little one used to the dental office in a calm, friendly way.

Ages 2–5: Starting the Routine

Once those tiny teeth start multiplying, things get a bit more real.

By age 2, most toddlers have a full set of baby teeth (20 in total!). And even though they’ll eventually fall out, these teeth are super important for chewing, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth.

Dental visits every six months are recommended at this stage. At each visit, we’ll do a gentle cleaning, check for cavities, and help your child feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair.

Also, this is the age where things like juice, snacks, and sippy cups can start to affect those pearly whites. We’ll help you keep your child on track with fun, age-appropriate oral care habits.

Ages 6–12: Big Changes, Big Smiles

This is when things really start shifting—literally. Kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6, and adult teeth begin making their grand entrance.

Regular twice-a-year visits are especially important now because:

• We monitor how the adult teeth are coming in.

• We can catch early signs of alignment issues (hello, future braces).

• Kids may need sealants to protect those newly erupted molars.

• This is when cavities are most common, so cleanings and fluoride are key.

And let’s be honest, this is also the age when kids start becoming a bit more independent (read: they “forget” to brush). Seeing the dentist regularly keeps their oral hygiene in check and reinforces good habits—because mom and dad aren’t the only ones reminding them now!

Ages 13–18: Teen Teeth Trouble? Keep It Consistent

Teenagers may be taller than you, but they’re still growing—and their dental needs are still evolving.

Between braces, sports injuries, busy schedules, and (let’s face it) snacking on the go, teens are at risk for dental issues like:

• Cavities from sugary drinks and missed brushing

• Gum inflammation (especially around braces)

• Wisdom teeth complications

• Injuries from sports or accidents

Even if your teen seems “fine,” they still need to come in every six months for checkups and cleanings. And honestly, it’s often way easier to talk to them about dental health when it’s not coming from a parent. (We’re like the cool aunt or uncle of healthcare.)

But Wait—Are There Exceptions?

Sometimes, yes.

If your child has specific dental concerns—like frequent cavities, orthodontic issues, or medical conditions that affect oral health—we might recommend more frequent visits.

We’ll always explain why and work with your family’s schedule to make things as smooth as possible.

Why Consistency Matters

We know life gets busy. But here’s the thing: dental problems don’t usually show up overnight. They build slowly and quietly.

By sticking with regular dental visits:

• Small issues get caught early (before they become big, expensive problems).

• Kids grow up not fearing the dentist.

• You save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Think of it like car maintenance. You don’t wait until the engine’s smoking to get an oil change, right? Same goes for your child’s smile.

We’re Here to Make It Easy

At Hacienda Pediatric Dentistry in Hacienda Heights, we’re not just about cleanings and checkups—we’re about partnership. As your trusted pediatric dentist, we want to be part of your family’s team, cheering your child on every step of the way.

Our office is designed just for kids, with a warm, welcoming environment that helps take the fear out of dental visits. Whether it’s your baby’s first appointment or your teen’s pre-prom cleaning, our experienced pediatric dentist is here with gentle care, real answers, and a smile every time.