YOUR BABY’S FIRST VISIT
Many parents may falsely believe that their baby doesn’t need to see the dentist until the permanent teeth come in. However, the sooner we can assess your child’s dental health, the better. Early cleaning and treatment reduces plaque and bacteria in your child’s mouth, which can result in cavities and other complications later if left untreated.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), you should bring your baby in to see us six months after your baby’s first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Usually, the first tooth will erupt around 4 – 6 months. However, your baby’s primary teeth have already formed under the gums before birth, so it’s possible to be born with teeth already. Babies can even get cavities from their parents, so it’s important for you to practice dental hygiene from the beginning of your child’s life.
During your first visit, we can teach you how to clean their teeth, learn the best foods to feed your child, and identify the effects of thumb sucking and using a pacifier.