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According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should take their child to the dentist for the first dental check-up within 6 months after the first tooth appears or by the first birthday of their child at the latest. Though it may sound early, this first visit plays an important role in helping the child become familiar with the dentist and the clinic environment.
In Hong Kong, tooth decay is still a significant dental problem in children. About half of the 5-year-old children have cavities. Early first dental visit provides the dentist an opportunity to advise parents on prevention of oral diseases and allows for early detection of caries and arrest its progression.
The sooner your child starts receiving dental care, the healthier their teeth will be as they grow up. After the first visit, children can see the dentist every 6 months for maintenance. For some children with high caries risk, they will need review appointments every 3 months to avoid future cavities.
If your child’s teeth are already showing signs of early decay, it may be reversed with the help of a fluoride treatment from the dentist before it permanently damages your child’s tooth.
If a cavity has already developed, then it is important to treat the cavity promptly. Tooth decay in young children progresses rapidly and, when left untreated, can destroy the entire tooth, causing pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, and learning.
Bringing your child to the dentist regularly, beginning no later than your child’s first birthday can prevent cavities and tooth decay so that your child can have a healthy mouth and smile confidently.
This article was independently written by a third person or organisation. The opinions expressed in this article are of those of the authors. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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