The purpose of the early infant oral health care visit is to provide the foundation on which a lifetime of preventive education and dental care can be built. This helps to assure optimal oral health through childhood and into the teen and adult years - avoiding the risks of preventable oral disease. It's a positive, non-threatening introduction to dental care. And it is especially important for inexperienced first-time parents.

The topics involved include the recording of a thorough dental and medical history, an oral examination and evaluation, an assessment of the child's risk for developing oral and dental disease; then determining, discussing, and providing appropriate counseling (anticipatory guidance) regarding dental development, fluoride status, non-nutritive oral habits, injury prevention, oral hygiene, and the effects of diet on the dentition. A determination of the proper interval for periodic re-evaluation is based on the initial assessment.

An infant-toddler oral health assessment form is available for your reading so you can see for yourself the type of important information gathered.

The misconception is that infant or toddler dental visits are just a way for the dentist to make money!

The truth is that early dental evaluations are NOT income generating sources for the dental practice. On the contrary, each individualized visit is a time-consuming session of tremendous benefit to parents of young children.

In summary, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry are in agreement that the first dental visit should be made as early as the eruption of the baby's first tooth, or more typically at 1 year old.

Since prevention is the best form of treatment, early visits are a proven way to teach children that developing healthy dental care habits is not only smart, but it's also fun!

And remember that preventive visits are healthier, easier, and less expensive than treating cavities or toothaches. This is a winning combination for parents and children.

So, take action. FIRST BIRTHDAY, FIRST VISIT!