Milestone Alert: First Dentist Visit!

Baby’s first year is full of so many milestones. Excitement abounds as baby begins crawling, eating solid foods, and mumbling those precious first words, among many other firsts! Many parents are in-tune with their baby’s pediatrician schedule for well-child checks, but what about the dentist?! When should your baby have their first dentist visit?

First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry in Bellevue, Suamico, and Appleton recommend the first dentist visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, and no later than one year old.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend a dental visit no later than baby’s first birthday.

Some parents may be wondering why a young child with only one or two teeth would need to see a dentist. But this first visit is full of valuable information about the proper way to clean infant teeth, feeding habits, and pacifier use. First Impressions calls this protocol Best Care.

“This conversation between dentist and parent/caregiver sets toddlers up for greater success when it comes to their dental health and healthy habits as they grow,” explains Dr. Mark Shaw, pediatric dentist at First Impressions in Bellevue. He continues, “Establishing healthy habits early is integral to preventing decay and maintaining oral health.”

This first appointment also includes an exam. All of this preventive care is proven to pay off both in the short-term as well as the long-term. In fact, a 2014 study reported by Pediatric Dentistry confirms that children who visit a dentist by age one have 3.5 fewer cavities.

So enjoy another first with your child. Bring them to the dentist by age one, and smile – knowing you are setting your child on the course of good dental health.

First Impressions is the largest privately-owned group of pediatric dental and orthodontic experts in Wisconsin. They have 10 convenient locations throughout Eastern and Central Wisconsin in Bellevue, Suamico, Appleton, Shawano, Rhinelander, Wausau, Weston, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Medford. Their mission is to provide comprehensive oral-health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special needs delivered in a state-of-the-art, child-friendly environment. They want to ensure that children of all ages enjoy a lifetime of healthy habits along with a healthy smile! Learn more at fidkids.com.