Parents need dentist visit flagged up

Without a doctor or dentist's guidance, some parents don't follow national recommendations for early dental care for their children, a new US poll finds.

The findings feature in this month's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

'Visiting the dentist at an early age is an essential part of children's health care,' says Mott poll co-director Sarah Clark. 'These visits are important for the detection and treatment of early childhood tooth decay and also a valuable opportunity to educate parents on key aspects of oral health.'

'Our poll finds that when parents get clear guidance from their child's doctor or dentist, they understand the first dental visit should take place at an early age. Without such guidance, some parents turn to family or friends for advice. As recommendations change, they may be hearing outdated information and not getting their kids to the dentist early enough.'