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First visit at early age sets pattern for careDear Dr. Reitz: My dentist recommended I schedule my 2-year-old son, Ryan, for his first dental visit. I want to do what is best for his health, but he seems too young to sit still in a dental chair. Is there any harm in waiting until he is older? - Michelle Dear Michelle: In the past the dental community suggested a child's first visit occur at the age of 3. The newest research indicates early detection of tooth decay and establishing good oral hygiene in children is very important in preventing dental problems. For that reason, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry now recommends that all children see a dentist for the first time six months after their first tooth appears - age 1 for most children. Your first thought is likely, "Ryan would have been a terror in the dental chair when he was a 1-year-old." That first visit is actually more about your son getting accustomed to the dental office and learning it can be fun to visit the dentist. If nothing more than counting his teeth and talking about the importance of healthy food is accomplished, it will be a success. The first visit should be more fun and less clinical, because often that first experience lasts a lifetime. It may be the difference between loving or hating going to the dentist for a long time. As Ryan gets older and requires dental sealants or restorations, he will be acclimated to the dental experience and ultimately be a better patient. A child's visit is also about training the parents in effective dental home care. If habits such as thumb sucking or baby bottle mouth are occurring, your dentist can give you guidance to minimize malocclusion and prevent tooth decay. A discussion should also include your options and methods of applying supplemental fluoride. Fortifying teeth shortly after they erupt decreases the potential for decay. If tooth erosion is discovered, a dietary evaluation may reveal the cause. Early visits to the dentist usually result in a cooperative dental patient. There are exceptions, however, that require the expertise of a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist is trained to safely sedate children, thereby making the visit pleasant for both you and your son. The goal must be to deliver dental care without stressing the patient. Generally, beginning dental care at an early age reduces dental disease, and makes for a happy parent and child. The things both you and Ryan learn in that first visit and subsequent visits may be the difference between a healthy mouth and a mouth that requires constant fillings to fix tooth decay. The column is written by John Reitz, DDS, and does not represent the opinion of the Pennsylvania State Dental Board. Dr Reitz answers questions from readers. E-mail them via his Web site at reitzdds.com or mail to John Reitz, DDS, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA 19610 John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
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