When Should a Child See a Dentist?

Dental Health

 

• When Should a Child See a Dentist?
• How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child
• Finding a Pediatric Dentist
• Links about When a Child Should See a Dentist
  

 

 

When Should a Child See a Dentist?

The American Dental Association suggests that children should visit the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth. This visit should be no later than a child’s first birthday. A dentist will talk to parents about how to help their child have good oral hygiene. The dentist will also see if a child has early tooth decay in the mouth.

Only 3 out of 5 U.S. children see a dentist before kindergarten. Healthy People 2000 states that 52% of 6 to 8-year-olds have tooth decay. Dental disease that is not treated can:

• Cause pain
• Hurt a child's self-esteem
• Make it difficult for a child to eat
• Make it difficult for a child to sleep
• Make it difficult for a child to pay attention in school

Starting dental visits early can help prevent these problems. Talk to your dentist to find out when is best to have your child’s first dental visit.

 

How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions for choosing a dentist for a child:

• Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.
• Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.
• If you are moving, ask your current dentist for recommendations.
• Call or write your local or state dental society. Your local and state dental societies may be listed in the telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations."
  

You may want to consider several dentists before making your decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if this is the right dentist for you. Consider the following:

• Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
• Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
• Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
• Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
• Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems?
• Is dental health instruction provided?
• Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
• Does the dentist participate in your health plan?
• What method of payment does he or she expect?
• When is payment due? Make sure you understand the fees, method and schedule of payment before you agree to any treatment.

You may want to ask your dentist the following before accepting a treatment plan:

• What are the options and solutions for me?
• How do the options differ in cost?
• Which solution will last the longest?
• Do all the options solve the problem?
• Ask your dentist about his or her policy on missed appointments. Many dentists ask that you call to cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. This allows time for office staff to find someone else to filly your appointment time. Those who do not call to cancel may be charged all or a portion of an office visit.

Finding a Pediatric Dentist

The American Dental Association provides a link to help you find a dentist for your family. Click http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp

Links about When a Child Should See a Dentist

Dental Visits for Children
American Family Physician— http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000101/20000101b.html
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta—http://www.choa.org/default.aspx?id=386
KidsHealth—http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/healthy.html
Palo Alto Medical Foundation— http://www.pamf.org/health/healthinfo/index.cfm?A=C&hwid=hw144414

Finding a Pediatric Dentist
American Dental Association—http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp

Make Dental Visits Enjoyable
American Dental Association—http://www.ada.org/public/manage/stages/parents.asp