Both pediatricians and dentists agree on WHEN young children need their FIRST dental exam. The American Academy of Pediatrics has adopted the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists. Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry joins us to tell us just how early that visit should be. And doctor, the answer may surprise many parents.
Many moms and dads think the first visit should include x-rays and a cleaning. That’s not the case. The first visit should be mostly for fun and information.
By age one, every child needs to see a dentist for an oral exam. Young Josh is 16 months old and going to his first appointment.
“Actually, my 4 ½ year old, and my 3 year old just made their first visit to the dentist," said Angela Magers. "And shame on me, they just did that this week.”
Dr. Robert Morgan told Dental Health Check, “The guideline is you need to show up at the pediatric dentist or family dentist within a few months of the eruption of the first tooth.”Dr. Morgan is a pediatric who believes the first visit is as much for the parents as it is for the young patient.
“We’re going to take a quick history of the family," continued Dr. Morgan. "We’re looking for pathology disease such as cavities; tongue-tied; missing teeth, abnormal teeth, eruption patterns. How we care for the baby teeth significantly affects the permanent teeth.”
The first oral exam checks for early tooth decay, often caused by going to sleep with a bottle of milk or formula.
"After you eat or drink anything, for 20 minutes you make decay. Because that’s about how long it takes for saliva to dilute the food.”
The first trip to the dentist should be fun. The baby can sit in mom’s lap. There are likely to be no x-rays, and no cleaning.
Dr. Morgan added, “The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists says you start brushing teeth when they show up. Use a soft, bristle brush with a small head and small handle. When you have an infant, you just want to brush the teeth. I don’t care if you go back and forth, or if you go up and down, or if you go in a circle. First eruption of the teeth happens somewhere between six and 12 months, but certainly by 12 months of age, you should visit your dentist.”Any discoloration including white spots on your child’s teeth be a sign of decay. And because tooth decay is an infection that does not does not get better on its own. You should take your child to the dentist as soon as possible at any age.
When should parents get a child to drink from a cup and give up the bottle?
The recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists is by ONE YEAR.
For inquiries:
Dr. Robert Morgan, Pediatric Dentist
375 Municipal, #104
Richardson, TX
972-669-3663
Video of the Broadcast:
STORY: FIRST ORAL EXAM
SCRIPT #881
DATE: Saturday, June 7, 2008
DHC #26 Timecode:
Writer/Producer/Editor: Sara Ivey
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