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!
Infant Care 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.
WHEN SHOULD I START CARING FOR MY BABY’S TEETH?
It’s important to begin caring for your baby’s oral health as soon as their first tooth emerges, usually around 6 months. Even before the teeth appear, you should diligently wipe their gums using a damp, clean cloth following feedings. Once teeth begin to come in, use an infant toothbrush with soft bristles and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (no bigger than a grain of rice). This helps establish healthy habits and removes plaque that can cause cavities.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH?
You should clean your baby’s teeth twice daily—once in the morning and once before bedtime. Consistency is key to preventing cavities and establishing a good routine. When your baby’s teeth start touching each other, you can introduce gentle flossing. Regular cleaning will also help your baby get used to brushing their teeth, making it easier as they get older and more independent.
WHEN SHOULD MY BABY HAVE THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT?
The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth eruption, whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to check for any signs of cavities, ensure the teeth are developing properly, and discuss teething, pacifier use, and good oral hygiene practices with you.
IS TEETHING PAINFUL FOR BABIES?
Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, but it’s a normal development. Signs of teething include increased drooling, irritability, chewing on objects, and sore gums. While teething is generally not painful enough to interfere with a baby’s daily routine, the discomfort can make babies a little fussy. Give your baby a clean, chilled teething ring or gently massage them with a clean finger to soothe sore gums.
HOW CAN I PREVENT TOOTH DECAY IN MY BABY’S TEETH?
Tooth decay can develop even in baby teeth, so it’s important to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, especially if it contains sugary liquids like juice or milk. This can cause “baby bottle tooth decay.” Always clean your baby’s teeth before bed, and never let them fall asleep while sucking on a bottle. Encourage a balanced diet with healthy snacks and limit sugary foods. When your child is old enough, brush their teeth twice daily to remove food and bacteria.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THUMB-SUCKING OR PACIFIER USE?
Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common and comforting behaviors for babies. However, prolonged use (especially past age 3) can lead to dental issues like misalignment or bite problems. If your child continues sucking their thumb or pacifier beyond the early years, you may want to talk to your dentist about strategies to help them break the habit. Dentists can often recommend helpful techniques or devices to prevent long-term effects.
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY BABY FOR THEIR FIRST DENTIST VISIT?
It’s natural for parents to feel nervous about their child’s first dental visit, but preparing your baby (and yourself) can make the experience positive. Start by reading books about going to the dentist, and use fun language to describe the visit. Schedule the appointment when your baby is well-rested and not hungry. At the office, let the dentist explain the process gently. Keeping the atmosphere lighthearted and calm will help your baby feel comfortable and confident about visiting the dentist.
