Dental health
Disease Information
Overview
Most pediatric dentists agree that regular dental care should begin by the time your child is 1, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care.
How Boston Children's Hospital approaches tooth decay
Children's believes that educating parents about dental hygiene shifts the focus from "drill and fill" to prevention. Although the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend the establishment of dental care by age 1, Man Wai Ng, MD, Children's dentist-in chief and a pioneer in early dental prevention says:
"The reality is that most children who need to see a dentist don't see one early enough."
Children's Wanessa Risko, MD, Dsc, adds that early childhood cavities (ECC) affect 40 percent of children by the time they reach kindergarten.
