The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children with risk factors for caries be seen by a dentist within 6 months of eruption of the first tooth or 12 months of age, whichever comes first. (Refer to the AAP policy statement "Oral Health Risk Assessment Timing and Establishment of the Dental Home" for more information.)

The following risk factors should prompt referral:

		Children with special health care needs.
		Children of mothers with high caries rate.
		Children with demonstrable caries, plaque, demineralization, or staining.
		Children who sleep with a bottle or breastfeed throughout the night.
		Later-order offspring.
		Children in families of low socioeconomic status.

Because this initial risk assessment may still miss at-risk children, the AAP policy statement further states that “the ideal approach to early childhood caries prevention and management is the early establishment of a dental home.” It is therefore recommended that all children be referred to a dentist by 12 months of age whenever possible.