When should my child have his first dental exam? How often should he see the dentist? Are baby teeth really that important?
While most parents ask themselves these questions when their children are young, unfortunately, many do not know the answers or perhaps do not feel they are important enough to know.
In recognition of this problem, and to increase awareness about dental health needs for children, the American Dental Association (ADA) has launched the First Dental Visit by Age 1 campaign.
When asked about the campaign, Dr. Farnsworth said, “Parents often do not bring their children in for a visit until there is a problem, such as a toothache. By that time, irreversible damage to the child’s teeth may have already occurred,” he continued. “I am glad to see the ADA is getting out in front of the problem by educating the public on the importance of oral health care for children.”
The goal of this ADA campaign is to encourage parents to bring their children in for their first dental visit after their first tooth erupts and before their first birthday. The ADA also recommends each child see the dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
Dr. Farnsworth asked, “Do we think a child will have cavities when the first tooth comes in the mouth?
“No,” he said in response to his question, “but this time allows us to answer any question a mother or a father may have regarding the child’s dental health. It also is the time to begin relieving any stress or tension related to seeing the dentist, both for the parents and the child.”
According to Dr. Farnsworth, check-ups for young children give both parents and dental professionals the opportunity to discuss the dental needs of children. Dentists can educate parents on proper brushing techniques and dietary practices, which can make lasting habits for a lifetime.
Many problems can be avoided if caught early, such as baby bottle tooth decay, caries, primary herpetic simplex viral breakouts and speech pathology related to being tongue-tied. Many other conditions or concerns can be addressed by routine visits to the dentist.
“Preventative check-ups also provide the child an opportunity to have many positive experiences with a dentist,”
Dr. Farnsworth said. “These visits will help reduce the fear and anxiety children commonly associate with dental visits and promote better oral health, both now as children and later in life as adults.”
Parents often do not understand the importance of baby teeth. The ADA has stated, “Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth.” Although baby teeth are lost between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, they serve an important role in the development of the child. Baby teeth are important for the child’s speech development and to maintain space for permanent adult teeth. Early loss of baby teeth can compromise a child’s speech and delay eruption of adult teeth. This delay can lead to crowding of the adult teeth when they finally erupt. This crowding is due to movement of the remaining teeth into the space of the lost teeth.
A child’s health and well-being can be greatly affected by attitudes toward oral health care. “I love to see children in my practice,” Dr. Farnsworth said. “It gives me the opportunity to help develop important habits and relationships they can continue for the rest of their lives, which ensures better overall health and quality of life.”
If you have any questions regarding your own dental health or the dental health of your child, you can reach Dr. Farnsworth by calling (480) 283-5854 or go online to www.lassendasdentalhealth.com. You also can visit Las Sendas Dental Health, located at 2947 N. Power Road, Suite 103.