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First dental appointment
First dental appointment
When should I take my baby to the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your baby to the dentist when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). Going to the dentist before one provides exposure to the dental environment to encourage formation of a positive association with oral health. It also provides an opportunity for you to learn about your baby's teeth and receive tips to prevent oral health problems.
What does the dentist need to know? The team will ask questions about your baby's diet and bottle habits, pacifier use, health history (e.g., prematurity, developmental delay), and current oral hygiene practices. These questions help the team to determine your child's risk for cavities and learn about your child's unique needs in order to individualize treatment.
What should I expect at the first appointment? The dental assistant will provide instructions for the knee-to-knee position, in which the baby is laid back onto a supportive surface for their cleaning and exam. The assistant will brush your child's teeth using a motorized toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. If your child's teeth are touching, the assistant will use a floss pick to gently floss the teeth. Tarter may be removed using a handheld scaler tool. Dr. Gazdeck will make note of your child's bite pattern, tooth alignment, and other oral structures (e.g., tongue tie) in order to track oral development. She will also brush fluoride onto the teeth for cavity prevention, if desired.
It is normal for babies to cry during their first appointment, as this is a new experience with unfamiliar sensations (e.g., vibrating toothbrush).
Knee-to-knee position
Dental development
Dental development
the first baby tooth comes in around 6-10 months
most children have 20 baby teeth by three years
the first baby tooth falls out around six years
this process continues until all baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, usually at 11-13 years
15% of children are congenitally missing at least one tooth. Baby teeth that do not have corresponding permanent teeth will not fall out
6-year molars (permanent) come in between 5-8 years and 12-year molars (permanent) come in between 10-14 years
wisdom teeth form between 7-10 years but do not typically come in until late adolescence
Did you know?
Did you know?
Pregnant women are at a higher risk for cavities due to increased snacking, cravings for sugary foods, hormonal changes, dry mouth, avoidance of toothbrushing due to gag reflex sensitivity, and vomiting (exposes teeth to acid)
rinse with water containing one teaspoon baking soda after vomiting
Oral bacteria that cause cavities can be passed to your baby in utero, so ensure you are consistent with oral hygiene and do not skip a trip to the dentist
Cavities form faster in baby teeth than permanent teeth due to decreased density
Cavities can harm a baby's permanent teeth, even if they are not visible in the mouth
Avoid weighted pacifiers
baby's oral health
baby's oral health
if introducing a pacifier, opt for a non-weighted, one-piece pacifier with ventholes and a minimum width of 1.5 inches to decrease choking risk
weighted pacifiers (with attached animals or straps) increase the risk for an anterior open bite, which negatively impacts speech and eating
clean your baby's pacifier daily and after drops - soak in boiling water for 15 minutes or use pacifier wipes
never use your mouth to clean your baby's pacifier, as cavity-causing oral bacteria can be passed to your baby
if your baby does not have teeth, clean their gums with a clean, wet towel or gauze following feedings
introduce a soft-bristle toothbrush when your baby's first tooth is visible
use toothpaste with fluoride (toothpaste amount should be comparable to a grain of rice)
teething
signs - changes in sleep, increased drooling, irritability, less interested in eating
try frozen, water-filled teethers or infant Tylenol rather than oral gels/creams
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