First dental visit
There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst
parents, pediatricians, and dentists about the correct timing for the first
dental visit. Many "family" dentists may tell parents not to bring
children to their practice before they have all their primary teeth (age two or
three), sometimes they even recommend to wait until age 6. The parent of a
fearful or uncooperative child may be told "we have to wait until your
child is old enough to sit still". Under unfavorable circumstances delay
of dental care can lead to catastrophic disease progression that is not in the
best interest of the child.
The AAPD encourages parents and other
care providers to help every child establish a dental home by 12 months of age.
This means
At this examination visit the dentist should
record a thorough medical and dental history. Parents should be prepared to review
the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal period of their child's development.
The oral examination at this early age is
usually accomplished with the parent present in the office. It is most often
only a visual exam. The child patient may be sitting in the parent's lap with
the head in the dentist's lap (knee-to-knee position).
One important aspect of this visit is to
discuss the child's risk of developing oral and dental disease. Based on this
assessment the dentist will determine the appropriate recall interval for the
next dental visit. In high risk cases this may be as early as three months.
Dental decay in children can progress very rapidly.
The dentist will also evaluate the child's
oral and dental development. The common question about "how many teeth at
what age ?" will be addressed. The dentist will also evaluate the need for
fluoride supplementation. It may be important to discuss non-nutritive habits
(finger sucking, pacifier), injury prevention, oral hygiene, and effects of
diet on the dentition.
If treatment is indicated the dentist should
be prepared to provide therapy or he needs to refer the patient.
Here are some links to related subjects (use the back button of your browser to return to this site):
Pediatric Dental
Visit Press Release
But how do I find a pediatric dentist?
1. Check the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry listing.
2. Check the yellow pages for pediatric dentists.
Generally they are found in a separate section: Dentists-Pediatric (Children).
