To new parents, the first few years of their child’s life can seem like little more than a never-ending series of trips to the pediatrician. They’re so busy trying to keep track of various vaccinations and checkups that it’s easy to forget another major component of a baby’s health: the teeth.
To celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Alton McWhorter, associate professor in Baylor College of Dentistry’s pediatric dentistry department, provides some handy tips for parents who are planning their child’s first dental visit. Some of the information, such as when parents should schedule that first appointment, may surprise you.
At what age should a child receive his/her first dental checkup?
In 1985, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommended that the child’s
first visit be within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, but no
later than 12 months. This is patterned on the “well baby” visits
to the pediatrician. It is an educational visit where the dentist can explain
to parents the need to wean the child at the appropriate age and give them
instructions in oral hygiene for the infant. Providing parents with basic information
concerning prevention of dental disease gives the child a better chance of
reducing or avoiding caries (tooth decay) as he grows up.
What does a child’s first checkup typically consist
of?
The infant exam consists of a knee-to-knee exam with the parent and dentist.
Placing their knees together makes a platform for the child to lie on while
the dentist examines the child and explains the procedures to the parent. The
child is unable to cooperate at this age, so the parent has to assist the dentist
by restraining the child for the examination. If the child going to the dentist
is older at the first visit (three years old or older), a more typical appointment
will include an examination, cleaning and usually radiographs, which will provide
a baseline assessment of the child’s caries activity.
A child’s first dental checkup can be a scary thing
for both the child and the parent. What can a parent do to help prepare
the child for the checkup?
There are some children’s books that describe the visit to prepare the
child ahead of time. If the child has an older sibling, it is helpful for the
child to accompany him to a visit to see how well he is doing, and that nothing
is hurting or scaring him. Sometimes, it is still necessary to perform the
knee-to-knee exam described above for older children (two and a half to three
years old) who are fearful of the appointment. The parent shouldn’t be
alarmed if the first visit doesn’t go as smoothly as hoped.
What should a parent look for in a pediatric dentist?
Parents can begin their search for a pediatric dentist by asking their friends
who they take their children to and how they like the dentist and the office.
If they don’t have recommendations from friends, they can use the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website as a resource. There
is a link to “Information for Parents,” and under that is another
link to “Finding a Pediatric Dentist.” When parents find a dentist,
they can then ask friends if they have had experiences with this office.
The parent will want to find a dentist whose office makes them feel welcomed
and comfortable. The goal of the office should be to provide quality care
while instilling a positive
attitude about dentistry in the young patient. Additionally, some parents
want to accompany their child into the treatment area, so they should ask
if this will be allowed when they call to make an appointment.
This information is provided as a service by Baylor College of Dentistry. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your family dentist.
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.