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Deanie Wimmer ReportingMost parents wouldn't think of overlooking doctor appointments for their babies, but many Utahns wait too long to take their children to the dentist.
At what age do you take your child for a first checkup? Age three is what you often hear, but the State Health Department wants to bring that down to age one.
Even at three, it's not easy.
Kevin Woody, Father:”You know, half the time, you're dealing with kids screaming and you're just managing the noise."
These parents started early with their children. Many in Utah don't take kids for a checkup until it's too late.
Dr Steven Steed, Utah Health Dept.: “We're finding that nearly 20-percent of children by age three have some kind of dental decay."
The State Health Department has launched a new campaign to re-educate parents about recommended guidelines. First checkup should come within six months of a child's first tooth.
Kevin Woody: “Decay starts as soon as you get teeth, so it’s important to have an exam as soon as they have teeth.”
Everyone involved acknowledges there's not a lot of exam going on during these early checkups.
Joseph Cheever, D.D.S., Pediatric Dentist: “The reason you want to see them at 12 months of age isn't to see what you need to fix, it's to educate, especially with first children."
Early checkups get kids used to the idea, and head off toothaches and infections later on.
Dr. Steven Steed: “It’s so easy to prevent and yet, sometimes just overlooked.”
In addition to early checkups, pediatric dentists advise parents should brush for their young children. And we should do more to limit soda, sugared cereals and juices.
The Centers for Disease Control released a study last summer that showed tooth decay had decreased over the last decade in every age group but toddlers.
