Dr. Sturniolo strongly encourages parents to schedule their child's first dental visit by age 3. At this time all the primary teeth have erupted and a dental exam should be performed to detect any tooth decay, gum problems, and to evaluate any problems with the bite.
Every child is different ; some are only willing to "take a ride in the chair", while others are happy to let us clean their teeth. Our goal is to make their visit a positive one as this can affect their attitude toward dentistry well into their adult years. We often will recommend a Fluoride rinse to prevent decay.
Also, dental sealants ( see our video section ) are often advised to prevent decay in the permanent molars which have deep pits and grooves, often the starting point of chewing surface cavities.