When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents should make an initial “well-baby” appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the emergence of the first tooth, or no later than the child’s first birthday.

Although this may seem surprisingly early, the incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising in recent years.  Tooth decay and early cavities can be exceptionally painful if they are not attended to immediately, and can also set the scene for poor oral health in later childhood.

The pediatric dentist is a specialist in child psychology and child behavior, and should be viewed as an important source of information, help, and guidance.  Oftentimes, the pediatric dentist can provide strategies for eliminating unwanted oral habits (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking) and can also help parents in establishing a sound daily oral routine for the child.

What potential dental problems can babies experience?

A baby is at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges.  During the first visit, the pediatric dentist will help parents implement a preventative strategy to protect the teeth from harm, and also demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed.

In particular, infants who drink breast milk, juice, baby formula, soda, or sweetened water from a baby bottle or sippy cup are at high-risk for early childhood caries (cavities).  To counteract this threat, the pediatric dentist discourages parents from filling cups with sugary fluids, dipping pacifiers in honey, and transmitting oral bacteria to the child via shared spoons and/or cleaning pacifiers in their own mouths.

Importantly, the pediatric dentist can also assess and balance the infant’s fluoride intake.  Too much fluoride ingestion between the ages of one and four years old may lead to a condition known as fluorosis in later childhood.  Conversely, too little fluoride may render young tooth enamel susceptible to tooth decay.

What happens during the first visit?

Pediatric dentists have fun-filled, stimulating dental offices.  All dental personnel are fully trained to communicate with infants and young children.

During the initial visit, the pediatric dentist will advise parents to implement a good oral care routine, ask questions about the child’s oral habits, and examine the child’s emerging teeth.  The pediatric dentist and parent sit knee-to-knee for this examination to enable the child to view the parent at all times.  If the infant’s teeth appear stained, the dentist may clean them.  Oftentimes, a topical fluoride treatment will be applied to the teeth after this cleaning.

What questions may the pediatric dentist ask during the first visit?

The pediatric dentist will ask questions about current oral care, diet, the general health of the child, the child’s oral habits, and the child’s current fluoride intake.

Once answers to these questions have been established, the pediatric dentist can advise parents on the following issues:

  • Accident prevention.

  • Adding xylitol and fluoride to the infant’s diet.

  • Choosing an ADA approved, non-fluoridated brand of toothpaste for the infant.

  • Choosing an appropriate toothbrush.

  • Choosing an orthodontically correct pacifier.

  • Correct positioning of the head during tooth brushing.

  • Easing the transition from sippy cup to adult-sized drinking glasses (12-14 months).

  • Eliminating fussing during the oral care routine.

  • Establishing a drink-free bedtime routine.

  • Maintaining good dietary habits.

  • Minimizing the risk of tooth decay.

  • Reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake.

  • Teething and developmental milestones.

  OUR HOURS

Monday – Thursday 8:00 – 5:00
Friday 8:00 – 12:00

  OFFICE LOCATION

View Our Smile Gallery!

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY!

Never a dull moment – never have experienced anxiety (like other dentists offices) due to the exceptionally friendly staff. Do yourself a favor – switch to Aesthetic Dental today!

JOHN BLAKEY

I have been very lucky all my life in having good dental care, but after almost 70 years I have never had such caring, fun and excellent care as I get from Dr. Henshaw and his staff. They are all the best. I feel as though they are my extended family, (the ones you enjoy spending time with!). If you are uncomfortable with dental care or uneasy at all, Please give Dr. Henshaw a chance. You’ll never regret it. You’ll be amazed at what the best dental care is. When you call for your apt. just let them know your nervous and your special care will begin. You’ll never regret it.

DONNA MANWARREN

I honestly can’t say enough great things about Dr. Henshaw and his staff. I went being terrified of going to the dentist to actually looking forward to seeing them….. Great people with outstanding patient care.

KELLY MILLER

Get In Touch!