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Age One Dental Visit
Why It's Important for Your Baby
by Dr. Joel H. Berg
When parents or caregivers mistakenly say, "They're only baby teeth, they're going to fall out anyway," they have the wrong impression. The fact is, "baby" or primary teeth serve as the guides for the permanent teeth and are critically important to the health and function of their adult successors.
What's more, primary teeth are the child's teeth for most of childhood - children don't usually begin losing them until about age six, and the last primary teeth aren't lost until around age twelve. The importance of primary teeth and preparing for a lifetime of good oral health are the main reasons why parents should bring their children to see a dentist or pediatric dentist (children's specialist), preferably before their first birthday.
The Age One Visit may also reveal underlying conditions that may indicate future problems, and determine how often follow-up visits might be needed. Children with low risk for oral or dental disease might only be seen annually or semi-annually until the primary (baby) teeth are all fully erupted in the mouth and in occlusion (biting function). Children assessed at high risk might be seen as often as every two to three months.
There's also mounting evidence that a child's oral health is closely tied to his or her mother's. This is why it's important that caregivers of young children promote their own oral health through regular dental visits and proper hygiene habits. The Age One Visit is a good reminder - and a learning opportunity - for proper hygiene and care.
Read more about Age One Dental Visit in the full print article in Dear Doctor - Dentistry & Oral Health, Volume 2, Issue 2.
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