Parents will do anything to make their children smile, yet many are missing the preventative measures and specialized care needed to keep smiles healthy. The 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. The survey showed 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.

Specialists in pediatric dentistry have the unique education and training required to care for children’s developmental needs. Following dental school, pediatric dentists have two-to-three years of specialty training, with an emphasis on child psychology, growth and development. Pediatric dentists’ education also focuses on care for at-risk and special needs children. The survey found that while approximately 75 percent of moms were aware of the specialty of pediatric dentistry, more than half had never taken their children to visit primary care pediatric dentists.

The AAPD recommends the following "Get it Done in Year One" Checklist to keep infant mouths healthy and prevent infection:

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