Why Should My Baby See the Dentist?

Not many people think about taking their baby to the dentist, but starting these visits early can prevent big problems later on! Cavities, discoloration, and misalignments can all appear starting with the baby teeth, which can cause your child a lot of discomfort and dental health issues. .

What to Expect During Your First Exam?

The very first dentist visit with your baby is very simple and straightforward. Our dentists will greet the babies with a warm smile and gently inspect the baby teeth, gums, and inside of their mouths to make sure everything is going fine! With infant dental health, it’s important to have a combination of at-home and in-office routines to ensure your baby’s teeth grow strong and healthy.

Dental Health Routines for Babies

Clean Gums After Feedings

Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a damp and clean washcloth or gauze after every feeding. This removes food residue from the gums, which can create a bit of trouble down the line!

Teething Treatments

Teething can often be uncomfortable for babies, and there are many options to help them during this process, such as offering them a rubber teether to chew on or gently massaging the gums with a wet cloth or clean finger. Our dentists can provide more teething treatments if needed!

Wean Off Bottles

Bottle feeding can affect teeth alignment, so it’s a good idea to start weaning off bottles at around 12 months or so.

Brush with Water

When your baby’s first teeth start to appear, it’s time for brushing! Use a gentle toothbrush, wet it, and slowly go over the baby teeth to clean. Avoid toothpaste during infancy.

Regular Dentist Visits

The dentist is here to make sure your baby’s smile is healthy, so it’s a good idea to start the routine dentist visits as early as possible!

FAQs

Your common concerns, answered

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY NEEDS TO SEE THE DENTIST?

We recommend that you start seeing the dentist as early as possible, even if the baby teeth haven’t popped out yet! This way, you can ensure your baby’s gums and oral health is right on track and can spot any worrying signs right away.

HOW SAFE ARE DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR INFANTS?

The safety of your baby is our top priority, and we would never recommend any treatment or procedure that will harm the child. Early dentist appointments are completely safe and will prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.

Dr. John De Lorme

Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.

Dr. Samuel Wu

Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries. ‍

Dr. Chris Carter

Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.