American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Encourages Parents to “Get it Done in Year One” for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Survey finds that 97 percent of parents aren’t providing proper oral care for their infants
CHICAGO (May 3, 2010) – Parents will do anything to make their children smile, yet many are missing the preventive measures and specialized care needed to keep smiles healthy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recently sponsored a survey to see what moms knew about proper oral health care for their children. The survey results found that a staggering number of moms are misinformed about the importance of infant dental visits and proper at-home care.
“Oral health is absolutely critical for overall health,” said AAPD President Dr. William C. Berlocher. “Parents know the value of early visits to the pediatrician, but it’s alarming to learn how few parents understand that infants need to see the pediatric dentist before their first birthday, even before baby teeth appear.”
Among the survey results, an overwhelming 97 percent of respondents didn’t know their children needed to visit a pediatric dentist in the first year of life, leaving a large number of infants potentially vulnerable to tooth decay and disease. Tooth decay can begin as early as the teeth begin to emerge, typically at six months, and often progresses rapidly. Left untreated, it can destroy tiny teeth and lead to needless pain and suffering, infection, loss of function, increased health care costs and lifelong health consequences.