Did you know that your child should see a dentist by their first birthday? While it might seem early, the age one dental visit is important for establishing a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The age one dental visit is not just about checking for the presence of teeth – it’s about prevention, early detection and building positive dental habits from the start. It allows for early identification of dental disease, such as tooth decay, and maximizes the use of conservative early cavity prevention and management.
Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of childhood, more than four times the prevalence of asthma! Nearly one in five children under the age of 5 has experienced dental decay. Untreated dental disease in children can lead to significant pain, difficult emergency visits and countless school and caregiver work hours lost each year. Fortunately, the evidence is clear – early intervention works! The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, are better able to learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) support the concept of a “Dental Home”, which is defined as the ongoing relationship between a dentist and child and includes comprehensive oral health care that is maintained in a continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered way. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children, creating a fun and comfortable experience. We offer advice on everything from teething and thumb sucking to nutrition and choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste. We use child-friendly language, explain procedures in simple terms and offer encouragement and praise. This allows a child to feel less anxious, setting the stage for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
Overall, the age one dental exam can be simple, easy and effective. And early dental visits are an essential investment in your child’s future oral health. Our team at Shine Pediatric Dentistry consider it a privilege to work with children and their families and love helping them learn to feel relaxed and supported at their dental visits. We have made it our mission to help all children discover what it means to truly be their brightest selves and instill positive dental habits that will last a lifetime!
This article appeared in the March 2025 edition of Downers Grove Living Magazine