Good dental care starts at an early age. The earlier the first dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. For most children, teeth can be protected from decay by daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting snacks and drinks with lots of sugar, and having regular dental checkups. Understanding what can increase a child’s risk for tooth decay, along with early examination and preventive care, can protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

A first visit can serve as a get-to-know-you session, allowing a child to become familiar with the dentist and the dentist’s office and equipment. A dentist used to treating children won’t just talk to you about dental health; he or she will also talk to your child in ways a child can understand.

Many dentists recommend a "first visit by first birthday," though some dentists think a child should be seen as soon as the first tooth comes in. A big concern for babies and children is Early Childhood Caries, also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. Many parents aren’t aware that tooth decay can be caused by nursing, and that there are precautions that can be taken to avoid Early Childhood Caries.

If you have a general dentist you’re satisfied with, check to see if he or she treats children. If your dentist does not treat children, ask for the names of some dentists who do. Also, get his or her opinion about the pros and cons of having your child see a pediatric dentist vs. a family dentist.

In general, the same considerations that apply to choosing a dentist for yourself apply to choosing a dentist for your child. There are, however, some additional considerations:

• Does the dentist have a special interest in treating children? Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children, but many general dentists treat children as well.
• Is the waiting room equipped for children, with toys, books and kid-size furniture?
• Will you be taught about your child’s tooth development, the causes and prevention of dental disease, and appropriate home care?
• Will your child be taught about caring for his or her teeth in ways he or she can understand?
• Sealants shut out food particles that can get caught in the teeth and cause cavities. They work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Find out the dentist’s philosophy on sealants.

If you are anxious about dental visits, try not to communicate your anxiety to your child. Try to schedule appointments for young children in the morning; children tend to be more cooperative and attentive early in the day. Also, there is less chance of having to wait if you have one of the first appointments of the day.

Once you have a dentist that both you and your child are satisfied with, it’s important to continue having regular checkups, even if your child never has a cavity or other problem. Regular visits help your child develop good life-long dental care habits. Professional cleaning removes debris that builds up on the teeth; if not removed it can cause tooth decay and irritate the gums. Your child’s dentist can also provide fluoride treatments that help renew the fluoride in the enamel, strengthening it and helping to prevent cavities.