The general recommendation is a first visit when the first baby tooth appears, or before the child turns one. This early visit is mainly to build familiarity, check tooth development and guide parents on cleaning - not for treatment.
Going early helps children see the dentist as a friendly place rather than a scary one, and lets us catch decay risk early. For little ones with early cavities, gentle no-drill techniques like SDF or fissure sealants are usually preferred.
After the first visit, keep up checkups every six months. This habit supports healthy development and holds the right space for the adult teeth to come.