First tooth, first visit, zero cavities: a review of the evidence as it applies to Ireland.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: There is increasing evidence that the first oral health visit should occur before 12 months of age. Anecdotally, most children in Ireland are not seen at an optimal age.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To review the benefits, on both an individual and population basis, of children receiving oral healthcare before 12 months of age, and to apply the appropriate available evidence to the current oral health landscape in Ireland.

RESULTS: From an individual perspective, there is published evidence of the benefits of infants attending a dentist before the age of 12 months. These benefits include the opportunity to risk assess the child, provide tailored oral health education and institute preventive care. From an oral health promotion perspective, there are additional benefits of providing population level programmes for children at an early age.

CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the first dental visit by 12 months of age should be firmly on the health agenda here in Ireland.