It always surprises parents to learn that most dentists, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommend that children visit the dentist when their first tooth appears at 6 to 12 months of age, or no later than their first birthday.
This recommendation is also supported by the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.1 There is a simple reason for this recommendation. If your child has teeth, they can have cavities.
In fact, research reveals that 41 percent of children aged 2 to 11 years had dental caries (cavities) in their primary teeth.2 Research also reveals that more than 1 in 4 children in the United States have had at least one cavity by the age of 4; many as early as age 2.3
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are more porous and thus are more susceptible to decay than adult teeth.
Preserving those primary teeth are important. A child needs their teeth to chew properly and to develop their speech skills. Those primary teeth also save space for permanent teeth to emerge. Cavities can also cause pain. When a toddler gets a cavity in a primary tooth treatment often necessitates the use of sedation or general anesthesia, which both have associated risks.
Our next post will focus on how to prepare for your child’s first dental visit and what to expect.
The very foundation of oral health includes early dental care. This helps to ensure your child grows up with the best possible opportunity for a healthy smile. Sedki Dentistry in Commerce, Michigan is the best choice for children of all ages. We are committed to creating healthy and confident smiles.
Dr. Sedki and his staff take extra steps to provide patient education and work with your child one-on-one to instill the importance of good oral hygiene. We help each child maintain a healthy smile by focusing on preventative care. Serving our local community here in Commerce, MI and the surrounding areas, we can help children develop a smile that will last a lifetime.
Call Sedki Dentistry today!
___________________
1, 2 Early Preventive Dental Visits, Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Jessica Lee, D.D.S.
Link: https://www.aapd.org/assets/1/7/Early_Preventive_Dental_Visits_Tech_Brief_20141.PDF
3 Your Child’s Age 1 Visit, Oral Care Center, Colgate.com
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care/your-childs-first-dental-visit