It’s a great pleasure for me to write for Smyrna Vinings Marietta Macaroni Kid. I naturally take oral-health seriously, especially for children, and hope that these monthly columns educate you to help care for your child’s beautiful smile.
I grew up in New Jersey, and I completed my dental training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City. I continued living in NYC while completing my Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry. I also hold a Masters in Public Health, which shaped my voice as pediatric dentist, as I strongly value the importance of preventive health. I am now the proud owner of Schwartz Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. This dental practice was formally owned by Dr. Ted Aspes, and has been an important cornerstone of pediatric dentistry for the Atlanta communities. Like myself, Dr. Aspes valued the small, intimate approach to pediatric dentistry, and dearly valued his relationship with patients and parents.
Today, I'm writing to explain the importance of having your child establish a “Dental Home” no later than one year of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association all recommend this age-one visit to a pediatric dentist. Unfortunately, some general dentists and some pediatricians who may not be well versed in current guidelines may recommend a dentist see your child at age three. However, it is essential to understand the mission of pediatric dentistry! Pediatric dentists strive to prevent disease and injury, and strive to have your child’s jaws and face grow under ideal conditions. By three years of age, your child may already have cavities, and may already have issues related to a prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier habits. By age three or later, your child may start his/her relationship with their dental home fighting an uphill battle. Also, by establishing this “Dental Home” by age one, if he/she does have a tooth or jaw related emergency, you know exactly who to call.
During the age-one visit, I not only complete a thorough oral exam, but I spend much time with the parent(s) discussing ways to prevent cavities and make recommendations to help prevent facial injuries and as well as improper facial growth and development. Essentially, I look to identify any risks that may one day be associated with potential future oral-health problems, and discuss with parents ways to minimize those risks.
Like pediatricians, pediatric dentists have the extra training involved to specifically care for children. From the office design to the style in approaching and speaking to our patients, pediatric dental offices are well versed in guiding a child’s understanding of the dentist to make he/she more comfortable. For example, both of our hygienists at Schwartz Dentistry for Children have over 15 years of working exclusively with children and young adults, and are excellent at gaining trust and building the confidence that make our patients shine.
Having your one-year old see a pediatric dentist will greatly improve the likelihood that your child has ideal oral health, and establishing a “Dental Home” by that age should offer you piece of mind knowing that you were afforded the necessary tools to help prevent your child from having cavities and other oral-health related problems, and that you already do have a healthcare setting established if any emergency does arise.
In next month's issue, I will discuss what a cavity really is, and discuss how they ‘spread’ from parent to child or from child to child.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz
www.schwartzkidsdentistry.com
770-436-0802
