Cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Your child should visit the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth comes in.
Healthy mouths are important - even for babies and young children. Baby teeth help children chew food, speak properly, and they hold space for permanent teeth. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can mean losing them too soon, and the decay can affect permanent teeth coming in.
Get to know the dentist and who to call if your child has an emergency.
Learn how to prevent cavities that can cause your child pain and serious health problems.
Save money by learning healthy habits and catching problems early.
Find a participating dentist near you
Our dentist by 1 directory lists Delta Dental participating dentists in South Dakota who responded to a recent survey and indicated they welcome young children in their practices. Updated August 2023
Note: this is not a directory of dentists providing care for Medicaid patients. To find a Medicaid participating dentist, visit insurekidsnow.gov
At the first checkup, the dentist will:
Check your child for cavities
Show you how to brush your baby's teeth
Teach you about food, drinks and habits that can cause cavities
Discuss fluoride options
Check your child's bite, growth and development
Give you information to prevent accidents as your baby grows
Clean your baby's gums with a damp washcloth after eating and drinking
Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice to brush your baby's teeth and gums in gentle circles two times a day
Don't let your baby sleep with a bottle at nap time or at night.
Give your child white milk or water. Don't give your child drinks with added sugar, like soda, juice, or flavored milk.
Video
Designed for dental professionals, this Dentist by 1 presentation video includes information, tips, and resources for seeing pediatric patients in the dental office for their well-child oral health visit.
Encouraging early childhood dental visits promotes a lifetime of good oral health behaviors and helps identify children at risk for caries.
Use the materials below to help parents get their kids an early start on good oral and overall health.
Share tips on caring for a baby's smile, and why it's important, with this trifold brochure. File size is small, making it attachment-friendly.
Many don't know the benefits of early childhood dental care. Encourage parents and patients at your practice to start early with this poster.
Share tips on caring for a baby's smile, and why it's important, with this trifold brochure. File size is small, making it attachment-friendly.
Many don't know the benefits of early childhood dental care. Encourage parents and patients at your practice to start early with this poster.