Most parents do not think about the dentist until their child has a mouthful of teeth. But the truth is, your baby’s dental health starts much earlier than you might expect. Here is what you need to know, and when to take that all-important first step.
When should my child first see a dentist?
There is a simple rule: first visit by first birthday. Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age.
This early visit establishes a dental home for your child. Think of it as setting up a relationship with a dentist who will know your child’s mouth inside and out as they grow. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program before problems start. Dental issues can show up earlier than you think.
A big concern is Early Childhood Caries, formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. Once your child’s diet includes anything besides breast milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of catching and preventing problems before they take hold.
Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Starting your child on good dental habits now sets them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?
A few straightforward habits go a long way:
- Taper breast-feeding at will after the first baby teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced.
- Never let your child fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. This is one of the biggest causes of early decay.
- Skip juice in the bottle. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided entirely. If you offer fruit juice, serve it in a cup with meals or at snack time only.
When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12 to 14 months of age. Holding on to the bottle longer than that increases the risk of tooth decay and can affect how the teeth come in.
When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better. You do not need to wait for teeth to show up.
- From birth: Clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth and water.
- When teeth appear: Start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush.
- Under 2 years old: Use a “smear” of toothpaste, just a thin film across the bristles.
- Ages 2 to 5: Use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste. You will need to do the brushing yourself or closely assist, because young children simply do not have the coordination to brush their teeth effectively on their own.
Five things every parent should remember
- Book that first visit early. Do not wait until there is a problem. Get your child to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.
- No bottles at bedtime unless they contain only water. Milk, formula, and juice left on teeth overnight cause serious damage.
- Wean off the bottle by 14 months. Transition to a cup as soon as your child is ready.
- Start cleaning gums from day one. You are building a habit that will last a lifetime.
- Brush for your child until they are old enough to do it well on their own, usually around age 5 or 6.
The bottom line
Your baby’s dental health begins long before their first tooth appears. A few simple habits (early dental visits, smart bottle practices, and daily cleaning) make all the difference between a healthy smile and preventable problems down the road.
Want to give your little one the best start? Book a visit with Dr. Sravanthi at ToothMatters Jr. We will make sure your baby’s teeth are on the right track from the very beginning.