The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit occur within six months after the first tooth appears, but no laterthan your child’s first birthday.   Mid-Michigan Pediatric Dentistry has established an Infant Oral Health exam program to encourage oral screenings at a young age for the following reasons:

• Starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.
• Cavities are almost completely preventable through proper nutrition, hygiene, and fluoride supplementation.
• Early treatment of dental caries avoids future pain and discomfort.
• Baby teeth are important in chewing and speech and hold space in the jaws for the adult teeth.

During an infant oral health exam visit at Mid-Michigan Pediatric Dentistry, our doctors will do the following:

• Review medical and dental histories,
• Give a complete oral exam to check growth and development, oral hygiene, injuries, cavities or other problems,
• Determine your child’s risk of developing tooth decay,
• Provide suggestions for daily oral care including tooth brush instruction,
• Evaluate your child’s fluoride needs to optimize the preventive benefits,
• Apply fluoride varnish when needed,
• Review feeding practices that may lead to tooth decay,
• Discuss teething, pacifier use, or finger/thumb sucking habits,
• Talk with you about common dental injuries and what to do if one happens,
• Discuss treatment if needed and schedule the next check-up.