When should parents take their children for their first dental checkup?

The first dental visit for a child should be within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth. This is usually around twelve months of age. During this visit the parent can expect to receive much needed guidance for the future development of the child's oral status, prevention guidance to avoid dental tooth decay and gum irritations, establishment of a dental home, risk assessment for dental disease and an oral examination to view the stage of development and the possibility of dental disease and oral cancer screening. Often during the discussion with the parent, it becomes evident that misperceptions regarding oral hygiene habits for infants and toddlers are present. These lead to the early and prolonged use of baby bottles or pacifiers and non-nutritive sucking that can cause developmental disturbances which may result in early childhood tooth decay or excessive opening of the bite due to sucking interferences.

Preventing dental disease is the goal of early childhood intervention. Interviewing the parents is an effective way to determine what risk factors the child may have that will lead to dental disease. Mothers in particular, at least 71% of the time, transfer bacteria from their mouths to the child by such actions as, cleaning a dropped pacifier in their own mouths then returning it to the child or during feeding, place something in their own mouths and then encourage the child to the food from the same fork or spoon. The other 29% of the time, caretakers, such as fathers, grandmothers, or guardians may transfer their bacteria to the child. Diet plays a significant role in the development of dental tooth decay. If a child is given a diet high in refined carbohydrates (sweetened foods) then the existing bacteria metabolize these foods and a by-product of acid results in causing tooth decay in susceptible children. Early childhood tooth decay is the display of multiple decayed teeth usually involving the upper front teeth combined with excessive bottle use containing sweetened liquids. Substituting water for sweetened liquids can prevent these types of decay patterns from developing. The use of fluoridated water can also help in reinforcing the developing teeth (within the jaws) so that later appearance of these teeth will be healthy. Fluoride occurs by addition to municipal water supplies depending upon the city and can be safely consumed to make the teeth stronger and more resistant to the effects of oral bacteria. Finally the use of additional fluoride in toothpastes, gels or foams may be prescribed by your pediatric dentist to ensure better resistance to the decay process in high risk individuals.

Prevention of dental trauma in infants and toddlers can be discussed with the dental professional during your first visit and the establishment of your "dental home " will ensure that one has a place to go for treatment should that event occur. Many children's offices will be available to treat emergency patients after normal office hours once a dental home is established for your child. As children begin to mobilize, accidents may occur that will require dental management and it is reassuring that your doctor has already seen your child and is comfortable treating such injuries.