Infant Oral Health: Establishing A Dental Home

Your child’s first pediatric dental visit should be no later than age one, or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognize that early examination offers a better opportunity of preventing dental problems.  Healthy baby teeth allow a child to chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence.  Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.  Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.  At this visit, Dr. Dunston will assist you in laying your child down on a soft purple pillow making a bridge between your laps.  Dr. Dunston will then gently examine your child’s mouth to ensure that the teeth and gums are developing normally.  We will also discuss proper oral hygiene, healthy diets, dental trauma, fluoride supplementation, and finger/ pacifier habits.  The conclusion of this visit establishes your child’s ‘dental home’.