Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Early Dental Care

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, May 09, 2005

STORY:  EARLY DENTAL CARE

American dentists and pediatricians now recommend a dental check-up early in a young child's life. Many immigrant families new to American customs are adopting what is often a new cultural practice. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at   one example in today's segment of Dental Health Check.

A visit to the dentist feels like a fun field trip to young Sophie and Evan Anderson. Their mother, who is from France, follows a new American custom: taking young children to the dentist.

"Compared to Europe, I don't know, maybe it is true. I don't think Europeans take as good care of their teeth. That's why they don't have great teeth like you see most people here," said Natalie Anderson, the children's mother.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend: a dental visit by age one and a complete check-up with x-rays and cleaning by age three.

"And we do not use the word "hurt" in our office. We don't talk about shots, we talk about bubbles. We talk about putting your tooth to sleep," said Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Al;ejandra Villasenor.

You should choose a child-friendly office, one that uses non-threatening words and makes the visit fun. "Can you see yourself in my little tooth mirror?"

Parents play a critical role in conveying to the child only positive images of the dentist.

"Well, it's easy to come here. There's a lot of toys and a lot of people to play with them and take care of them. So it's easy," said Natalie.

To a mother new to America, this pediatric dental office impresses her.

Baby or primary teeth form a path that the permanent teeth follow. So it's just as important to take good care of those baby teeth, starting with a dental appointment by the first birthday. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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