WEST ALLIS, WIS. – Your child’s first dental visit should take place after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. During February, National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Wisconsin Dental Association is sharing simple, safe and practical ways parents can help protect their children’s oral health – starting with dental visits.

“The first visit involves a dental exam as well as a discussion with the family to give them knowledge and tools for their child’s health,” said Dr. Laura Goodell, a pediatric dentist and WDA member who practices in West Bend. “While it’s true that the first dental visit can be a noisy one, the appointment is generally quick, fun and informative. Following the exam, your dentist will provide age-relevant information and specific recommendations for your child.”

Topics usually discussed at the first visit include:

• prevention of cavities
• brushing and flossing techniques
• how snacking and dietary habits impact dental health
• pacifier or thumb sucking habits
• nursing and/or bottle use
• injury prevention
• guidance on your child’s growth and development
  

“Your dentist will create a personalized prevention plan based on your child’s individual risk factors,” Dr. Goodell said. ”If you haven’t scheduled a visit by their first birthday, know that it’s never too late to schedule your child’s first dental visit. Establishing a ‘dental home’ early in a child’s life is an important first step for creating a lifetime of good oral health.”

For more information on your baby’s first dental visit, visit mouthhealthy.org. To find a dentist near you, visit findadentist.ada.org.

WEST ALLIS, WIS. – Your child’s first dental visit should take place after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. During February, National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Wisconsin Dental Association is sharing simple, safe and practical ways parents can help protect their children’s oral health – starting with dental visits.

“The first visit involves a dental exam as well as a discussion with the family to give them knowledge and tools for their child’s health,” said Dr. Laura Goodell, a pediatric dentist and WDA member who practices in West Bend. “While it’s true that the first dental visit can be a noisy one, the appointment is generally quick, fun and informative. Following the exam, your dentist will provide age-relevant information and specific recommendations for your child.”

Topics usually discussed at the first visit include:

• prevention of cavities
• brushing and flossing techniques
• how snacking and dietary habits impact dental health
• pacifier or thumb sucking habits
• nursing and/or bottle use
• injury prevention
• guidance on your child’s growth and development
  

“Your dentist will create a personalized prevention plan based on your child’s individual risk factors,” Dr. Goodell said. ”If you haven’t scheduled a visit by their first birthday, know that it’s never too late to schedule your child’s first dental visit. Establishing a ‘dental home’ early in a child’s life is an important first step for creating a lifetime of good oral health.”

For more information on your baby’s first dental visit, visit mouthhealthy.org. To find a dentist near you, visit findadentist.ada.org.