Start Smile-Saving Early

Only about half of kids 1 to 5 years old have received preventive dental care.

Bad news -- prematurely losing a baby tooth because of decay may set the stage for bite problems down the road. Dental appointments should start with the first tooth. Talk with your dentist about how often your child needs additional checkups. It will vary, depending on factors such as what your child eats and how he or she cares for those budding pearly whites.

More than half of kids between the ages of 5 years and 9 years have at least one cavity or filling, and more and more toddlers are getting tooth decay in their baby teeth. It's an alarming trend, and it confirms that preventive tooth care should start long before a child even has teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends cleaning an infant's gums daily with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush and water.

Professional care should begin after the first tooth erupts. Over the following years, dentist visits will include regular cleanings and checks for tooth decay. Your child's dentist might even recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help keep decay away. The American Dental Association suggests that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early treatment can minimize a malocclusion or "bad bite."

Research suggests that about 72 percent of all kids have at least one preventive dental visit per year. Is your child one of them?