Among our patients under four, tooth decay remains as one of the most challenging and difficult problems we face. The decay process will begin in a child’s mouth well before the age of three. It makes good sense to start a comprehensive preventative program before that.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental examination be made at 12 months of age.

Many have suggested visits be scheduled as soon as the first tooth appears, which is six months for the average child. Many pediatric dentists prefer to schedule informative consultations with mother before the child is born. For families with an extensive history of tooth decay, we follow that recommendation.

Your child should visit the dentist by his/her first birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

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There is a good deal of evidence to support the connection between mom’s dental health and that of baby.

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You can reduce the risk of tooth decay by reducing the frequency of refined carbohydrates or other sticky-sugar containing snacks. Foods that hold sugars at the tooth surface for extended periods of time have the highest potential of causing tooth decay.
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This is a complex issue, but these oral habits are not usually harmful if discontinued before the age of eighteen months.

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