The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree the first visit for all children should be at one year of age or six months after the first teeth erupt, whichever comes first. Why so early? In the past, first visits consisted of a quick look to check for cavities or early signs of cavities, along with recommendations about diet and brushing. Today, pediatric dentists are practicing Airway Focused Dentistry to look for potential growth and development issues that can be detected in a child as young as 12 months. Amy
Luedemann-Lazar DDS, MS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist at Kidstown Dental in Katy explains why dental visits should begin so early “We are seeing more patients with issues such as small airways, early signs of sleep disturbances, tonsil and adenoid issues, CPAP therapy, attention deficit disorder and a host of other challenges. Some of these problems could be identified easily with an early visit with a pediatric dentist,” explains Dr. Luedemann.
What should you expect at your child’s first dental visit?
A valuable, thorough assessment, anticipatory guidance and simple easy recommendations with minimally-invasive interventions to ensure your little one is off to the best start possible. Done well and right, your child can have improved growth and development, airway health, and overall health.
Dr. Amy Luedemann shares what she looks for during the first dental visit:
- Assessment of growth and development of the face, jaws and airway
- Assessment of the alignment of the jaws
- Evaluation of muscle attachments, called frenums, looking for restrictions that could affect growth and/or function
- Assessment of feeding and speech milestones
- Screening of airway size, tonsil size and signs of possible sleep apnea
- Oral cancer screening
- Examination of all teeth present for any signs of cavities or enamel defects that would put the child at an increased risk for tooth problems
- Screen for silent reflux (which makes a child more cavity prone)
- Complete assessment of diet and habits to accurately predict risk for caries
- Review of contributing factors which affect child’s risk for dental disease
“By a thorough first visit, we can identify potential challenges and recommend minimally invasive procedures to improve a child’s overall health, keeping them cavity-free, lowering their risks for speech and feeding issues, sleep apnea, the need for tonsils and adenoids surgery, chronic ear infections, asthma and allergy symptoms, and the possibility to avoid the need for braces all together,” explains Dr. Luedemann.
Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry
9742 Katy Fwy., Suite 500
Houston, TX 77055
713-464-5437
Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry
17450 St Lukes Way #260
The Woodlands, TX 77384
936-231-8705
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
7830 West Grand Parkway South #270
Richmond, TX 77406
832-246-7255
Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
4907 Sandhill Drive, Suite E
Sugarland, TX 77479
713-955-2100
5300 Ranch Point Drive, Suite B
Katy, TX 77494
713-234-1002
Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
104 W. 12th Street, Suite C
Houston, TX 77008
713-861-4000
Jason R Brock DDS, PLLC
17150 El Camino Real
Houston, TX 77058
281-461-7470
Kids Healthy Teeth
Elizabeth Chen DDS, MSD
20660 Westheimer Pkwy, #A
Katy, TX 77450
29818 FM 1093, #200
Fulshear, TX 77411
Kidstown Dental
27110 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite 900
Katy, TX 77494
281.394.7040
Memorial Family Dental
Dr. Harpavat
12528 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77024
713-333-8500
My Kid’s Dentist
2811 Business Center Drive
Suite 105
Pearland, TX 77584
713-574-9071
Urbach Pediatric Dentistry
4101 Greenbriar Dr. #120
Houston, TX 77098
713-574-5890
West U Pediatric Dentistry
4130 Bellaire Blvd, Suite 214
Houston, TX 77025
832-767-2227
