Bellevue dentist, Dentist in Bellevue, WA

The answer is "First visit by first birthday," according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. America's pediatricians agree. Although the idea of such early dental visits is still surprising to many new parents, the infant visit is endorsed by leading national public health groups.

More than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old, sometimes as early as age 2. To prevent early childhood cavities, parents first have to find out their child's risk of developing cavities, then learn how to manage diet, hygiene and fluoride to prevent problems before they start.

But cavities aren't all that parents need to learn about their child's dental health. The age 1 dental visit lets parents discuss:

• How to care for an infant's or toddler's mouth
• Appropriate use of fluoride for your child
• Oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking
• Ways to prevent oral and facial accidents and trauma
• Teething and developmental milestones
• The relationship between diet and oral health

After this first visit, we will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. Follow-up visits will typically needed every six months. As your child grows, our dental team can share information that will help you prevent common oral problems.

How do I prepare my child for his first dental visit?

The age 1 dental visit is all about learning about your child's oral health and how to best care for your child's unique needs. It is about establishing a relationship with our office where you feel comfortable.

The best way to prepare for your child's age 1 visit is to consider what you want to know.

Also be prepared to hear your child fuss during the oral examination and toothbrush demonstration. However, parents are often surprised at how often the child is very passive and quiet and appear to enjoy the attention and novelty of the visit.

If possible, ask another adult to come with you to the visit, especially one who shares responsibility for caring for your child. Since you want to be free to talk comfortably with the dentist and to focus attention on your child, it is best to not bring other children along at this first visit. Bring along an extra diaper and snack for your child, as well as a favorite toy, blanket or other familiar object that helps your child know that the dental office is a comfortable and safe place for him or her.

If your child is older than 1 years old make sure to prepare them by being positive about the visit. Be careful about the words you use around your child in regards to the dental environment. Prepare them by reading books or watching an educational video about visiting the dentist.

To save time and make the first visit easier, have all the office forms filled out prior to coming. Please remember to bring these forms with you or you can mail them in advance of the appointment.

What to expect at the Office

The age 1 care visit is similar to a well-baby check at the physician's office.

We will:

• Review your child's history
• Respond to your questions and concerns
• Talk with you about your child's overall oral health, including:
  • Development
  • Teething
  • Bite (how your child's teeth will come together)
  • Soft tissues such as gums and cheeks
  • Oral habits such as sucking
  • Cavity risk factors such as diet, hygiene practices, fluoride use and whether others in the family have had cavities
  • How to prevent trauma to your child's mouth
• Thoroughly examine your child's mouth in the knee-to-knee position. You and the dentist sit on chairs facing each other. Your child sits on your lap, facing you. You then lay your child back with his or her head in the dentist's lap so that both you and dentist can see clearly into your child's mouth and your child can look up at the parent.
• Demonstrate how to clean your child's teeth and give you a chance to practice
• Make specific recommendations about home care, including hygiene, diet and use of fluorides (including toothpaste)
• Tell you what to expect as your child grows and develops in the coming months
• Suggest a schedule for follow-up care

We may also clean your child's teeth, particularly if your child's teeth have a stain that commonly appears in infants. We may also apply a topical fluoride preparation, particularly if your child has a higher risk of developing cavities.