Teeth mark milestones in your children’s development — that very first tooth, that first loose tooth and that awkward age when their adult teeth look huge in their small mouths.
At what age should children receive their first oral check-up? Is it just before starting kindergarten? age three? when he or she complains of a toothache?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first check-up around their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth.
You might be surprised to hear that babies needs to have their teeth examined.
Many parents delay a first dentist visit until their children are nearly 3 years old, which can lead to decay of primary or “baby” teeth. Your children’s baby teeth play important roles in their general health, such as helping them chew properly to maintain good nutrition.
Sound baby teeth also help save a space for permanent teeth and help children’s speech development.
Very important for both children and adults is the fact that oral decay means infection, which drags down the health of the whole body.
If your children have Medicaid or hawk-I insurance, rest assured that dental check-ups are covered at present. You may purchase a hawk-I Dental Only plan as well. For more information, visit the hawk-I website.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
