Dental Home

Starting at Age 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents to access care for their children.

Pleasant First Visit

When the child is seen at one year, the first visit can be pleasant and uneventful, introducing the child and parents to the dental office. Emphasis is on the developmental assessment of the child’s oral health. Caries (tooth decay) or developmental disturbances can be managed early. Fluoride varnish may be applied to counteract beginning decay on newly erupted teeth.

Five Steps for Baby’s First Dental Visit

Step 1 Clinical Examination by Age 12 Months

Complete medical history
Knee-to-knee exam with guardian
Note clinical dental caries
Soft tissue irregularities
White-spot lesions, tongue anatomy
Enamel decalification, hypoplasia
Dietary staining

Step 2 Caries Risk Assessment

Bottle or breast fed at night on demand
Non-water in bedtime bottle
Decalcification/caries present
No oral home care
Sugary foods, snacks

Step 3 Diet Counseling for Infants

No juice or milk in bed
Sippy cups can encourage decay
Avoid sugar drinks, sodas
Encourage variety and a balanced diet
Low-sugar snacks
Fluorides – topical and systemic

Step 4 Oral Home Care for Infants

Brush/massage teeth and gums 2x daily
Small, soft toothbrush
Tiny amount of toothpaste, with Fluoride
Guidance on thumb sucking, pacifier
Response for home accidents, trauma

Step 5 Future Visit

Based on Risk Assessment
At age one year
Two years if delayed in development