The Dental “ Well Visit”

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) suggest that your child should visit a dentist within 6 months of when his/ her first tooth comes in and no later than your child’s first birthday. Treat the first visit as you would a “well-baby visit” with the child’s physician. There are very good reasons for this first appointment to happen at this time. First, children are at risk for early tooth decay once the diet consists of  other things besides breast milk. Setting up a thorough prevention program at an early age is key to identifying this “nursing bottle” caries. Second, establishing a “dental home” for you child is important. The first appointment helps establish familiarity with the child and the dentist. Most childhood falls that result in dental injuries happen between the ages of 1 and 3 and the ability to call a dentist that has already seen your child can be a comforting thing for a parent looking for advice. Finally, this early visit can help the parent understand proper dental care for their child and help start the little one on a lifetime of good habits.
—Dr. John Maheu