DENTAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES

YOUR CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

Parents frequently ask when they should bring their child in for their first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recommendation is "first visit by first birthday". Your child should visit a dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

ESTABLISHING A DENTAL HOME

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) support the idea of a "Dental Home," which is the ongoing relationship between the dentist who is the Primary Dental Care Provider and the patient, and includes comprehensive oral health care, beginning no later than age one. Establishing a Dental Home means that a child's oral health care is managed in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way by a licensed dentist. The concept of the Dental Home reflects AAPD and ADA policies and best principles for the proper delivery of oral health care to all, with an emphasis on initiating preventive strategies during infancy. An infant oral health exam is simple, easy and effective.

The Dental Home enhances the dental professional's ability to provide optimal oral health care, beginning with the age one dental visit for successful preventive care and treatment as part of an overall oral health care foundation for life. Additionally, the establishment of the Dental Home assures appropriate referral to dental specialists when care cannot directly be provided within the Dental Home.

Tooth decay, if left untreated even in the earliest stages of life, can have serious implications for a child's long-term health and well-being. Early preventive care is a sound health and economic investment. Parents may not take young children to the dentist for a variety of reasons and yet an October 2004 study in the journal Pediatrics showed that the dental costs for children who have their first dental visit before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than for those who do not see a dentist before their first birthday. Pediatrics also reported that early childhood cavities can be prevented through early professional dental care complemented with cavity supervision. Without preventive care, the impact of tooth decay on child development can be significant. Childhood cavities have been linked to lower-than-ideal body weight and lost time in school. The effects of poor oral health may be felt for a lifetime.

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early – even before we see the first teeth. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (cavities), also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. To learn more about dental cavities in both bottle and breastfed children read the articles provided in our links area.

The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

Good habits start VERY early. Beginning at birth, you can clean your child's gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Some parents find it easier to wipe the gums with a moist soft washcloth. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by the dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3, and then only a pea-sized amount.

FREE VISIT

Madison Smile Solutions believes in the importance of dental health in young children and offers a free exam for babies under one year of age. Call our office for details.

The term "nursing caries" (cavities) is used when discussing either bottle-feeding or breastfeeding activities that relate to infant caries. Another term is Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Please take advantage of our free exam for babies younger than 12 months old to help us partner with you in preventing dental caries.

PDF:
Baby's First Teeth
Infant Formula & Fluoride
Thumb Sucking
Tooth Eruption
Pregnant Tips for a Healthy Smile