Rationale for the timing of the first oral evaluation

Author(s): Arthur J Nowak DMD
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume (number): 19:1
Month, Year: 1997
Major topic: purpose of well-child dental visits
Minor topic(s): n/a
Type of Article: review article
Main Purpose: to summarize the keystones of the first oral evaluation and provide multiple literature references for further review of each topic
Overview of method of research: literature review
Findings/Key points/Summary: evidence about oral disease support the first dental visit occurring at age one; Physicians can assist by recommending that a child see a dentist by age one. Topics to be reviewed with the parent during this visit include: non-nutritive sucking, fluorosis, trauma management, anticipatory guidance, fluoride assessment, feeding management, early childhood caries, and presence of oral bacteria.
Assessment of article: keep this article close at hand when speaking to parents/friends/colleagues about the importance of the first dental visit