With summer around the corner, now is a great time to start planning children’s dental check-ups! The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend taking a child to that first dental visit by age one. Why? Because baby teeth are important to children’s overall good health, helping them eat, speak, and grow. Taking care of little teeth is important for a lifetime of healthy smiles. And who better to partner with than your family dentist!
Taking children to the dentist by their first birthday not only establishes the foundation for good oral health, but can also identify many problems before they become serious. The dental staff can check for dental issues, address any concerns or questions you may have, and provide quick, easy, pain-free fluoride varnish to protect those tiny teeth from cavities. The appointment begins an important caregiving partnership. Plus, added bonus: Starting those visits to the dentist early gets baby (and the family!) in a good oral health habit. It may even prevent or help relieve some dental anxiety. It’s just like a well-child visit to the doctor!
Don’t have a dentist yet? That’s OK; your friends from ToothTalk are here to help! InsureKidsNow.gov is a great resource to learn how to get oral health care or to find a dentist that accepts Medicaid or Health Choice.
Want to learn more from a parent and dentist about why a healthy smile is so important to little ones? Check out the ToothTalk video Why Babies Need a Dental Home.
