The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has counseled that in order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than the first birthday. Primary, or "baby", teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew appropriately, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Taking care of these primary teeth will help to prevent dental problems later in life, and learning how to take care of your teeth at a young age will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.