More Information

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• Welcome Form
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Excerpts from a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlighting the importance of early dental visits:

As an effective way to begin a lifelong program of preventive dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that dental visits begin with the appearance of a child's first tooth, typically around six months but no later than one year.

Early preventive care also is a sound health and economic investment. Some parents avoid taking children to the dentist to save money, yet studies show that the dental costs for children who have their first dental visit before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than for those who do not see a dentist prior to their first birthday.

In addition to regular dental visits, the AAPD recommends that parents take the following precautions to help prevent tooth decay in children:

• Brush your child's gums twice a day with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush and water even before the first tooth appears.
• Talk to your pediatric dentist about your child's fluoride needs. Infants require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong, and children who primarily drink bottled water may not be getting the fluoride they need.
• If you must put your child to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water -- other beverages can damage teeth, leading to cavities.
• Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.
• The best times for your child to brush are after breakfast and before bed.
• Limit frequency of snacking, which can increase a child's risk of developing cavities.
• Take good care of your own teeth. Studies show that babies and small children can "catch" cavity-causing bacteria from their parents.

The importance of establishing a "Dental Home," according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:

Establishing a "Dental Home" means that your child's oral health care is delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered way by a licensed dentist. The concept of the Dental Home reflects the AAPD's clinical guidelines and best principles for the proper delivery of oral health care to all children, with a concentration on infant/age one patients. The Dental Home enhances the dental professional's ability to assist children and their parents in the quest for optimum oral health care, beginning with the age one dental visit for successful preventive care and treatment as part of an overall oral health care foundation. Additionally, the establishment of the Dental Home will include referral to other dental specialists when the pediatric or general dentist cannot provide the needed care.