The Importance of the Age One Dental Visit
Dental caries is the most common chronic infectious disease of childhood, and is caused by the production of acid by bacteria in our mouths following the consumption of sugar. This acid, in turn, strips away minerals that make up teeth, resulting in cavities. In order to prevent the formation of cavities, as well as educate parents on the importance of oral health, there is a push for every child to visit the dentist by their first birthday.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Primary or “Baby” teeth are important for a number of reasons. First, they allow children to chew food in order to obtain adequate nutrition. Second, they hold space for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth into their proper place. Third, they aid children in the development of speech. Lastly, they aid in the esthetics of a child’s smile.
What Causes Cavities?
As previously mentioned, cavities are caused by bacteria in our mouths that eat the sugars that we put into our mouths when we eat and drink. When not brushed away, these bacteria form complex communities on our teeth, resulting in what we see as plaque. When plaque persists for a prolonged periods of time, the acid that the bacteria produce after consuming sugar strips away minerals that are the building blocks of our teeth, resulting in white spot cavities. These can be seen especially along the gumline, but cannot be seen between the teeth without x-rays.
Most of the bacteria in a child’s mouth are transferred from their primary caregiver in the first few months of life, usually from their mother. If the primary caregiver has a history of cavities, then their child is at a greater risk of developing cavities, too. As cavities progress, the acid eats through the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and into the inner layer of the tooth (dentin). If untreated, the infection can progress into the nerve and blood supply of the tooth resulting in infection, pain, facial swelling, fever, poor school performance, or even death if left.
How Can We Prevent Cavities?
One of the most important factors in preventing the formation of cavities is proper oral hygiene. It is recommended that a child’s teeth are cleaned when the first tooth erupts into the mouth. Furthermore, fluoride can help to strengthen the outer enamel of a tooth, making the tooth more resistant to acid. A tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste is all that is needed for any child under three years of age, and a pea –sized amount is sufficient for children aged three and older. Fluoridated tap or bottled water can have a similar effect, as each sip of water bathes the teeth in fluoride ions suspended in the water. Finally, one essential preventive measure is limiting sugar in the diet. Bacteria can easily convert simple sugars such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and refined white breads and crackers into cavity causing acid.
Why The Age One Dental Visit?
The age one dental visit provides an opportunity to establish a dental home for each child. Similar to the medical home, the dental home is an ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way. Based on each child’s history and risk assessment, an individualized plan may be devised to prevent cavities before they start, and to create a lifetime of good oral health.
Bon Secours St. Mary’s for Kids Pediatric Dentistry
6900 Forest Avenue, Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23230
804-893-8715
