Pediatric Age 1 First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that children receive their first dental check-up by the age of 1. These first visits can help your child begin to get comfortable in a dental setting and allow us to observe any dental changes from an early age. Informing your child about their first dental visit is very helpful. During the visit, we will get to know your child and help them feel comfortable in the office by explaining what will happen during the visit and showing them the tools we will use to help keep their smile healthy.
We encourage parents to accompany their child during their visit. This provides an opportunity to see us working with your child and allows us to discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with you. At your child’s first visit, we will review your child’s medical/dental health history with you, perform a thorough head and neck examination, and evaluate your child’s teeth and gums. Digital radiographs (x-rays) are taken only if necessary. If no treatment is needed, the teeth will be cleaned and a fluoride treatment will be provided.
We look forward to meeting you and your child for your first appointment!
The Importance and Care of Primary Teeth
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are shed, but they are still very important for a number of reasons. Children need strong and healthy baby teeth in order to chew food properly, pronounce words correctly, and maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth. That is why it is important to take good care of the primary teeth by keeping them clean and healthy.
Even before the first tooth erupts, your child’s gums should be wiped gently with a wet cloth or gauze after every feeding. At the appearance of the first tooth, begin brushing your child’s teeth with water. Children older than 2 years should be supervised during brushing to ensure that only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is used and that the toothpaste is spit out rather than swallowed, and they rinse with water afterward.
Preventing Decay
Primary teeth, if not kept clean and healthy, can develop decay. This decay can lead to infection, which can damage permanent teeth. Tooth decay in infants and young children occurs when the teeth undergo frequent and extended exposure to liquids containing sugar. To keep your child’s teeth cavity-free and avoid oral pain, do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Milk, formula, and juice, when given to a child right before they fall asleep, can remain on the teeth and in the mouth and cause tooth decay. If your child needs a pacifier between feedings or at bedtime, give them a clean pacifier. Do not give your child a pacifier dipped in honey or sugar.