What Happens at an Infant Dental Visit?

Did you know? The American Dental Association recommends babies see a dentist within six months of their first tooth, or by their first birthday.

KidCo offers expert dental care for children of all ages, even the littlest ones. Regular dental visit throughout your child’s early years will set them up for oral health success for a lifetime! With gentle, no-fear cleanings and careful examinations of your baby’s mouth, the professional team at KidCo measures their growth and progress.

We catch problems early on and offer immediate interventions to prevent further issues. And our friendly, approachable team helps your child look forward to dentist visits, making proper oral healthcare an easy, enjoyable part of their life!

Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?

Some parents may be puzzled at the need for such early dental care. But the health of your child’s baby teeth has big consequences for the health of their adult teeth – and their overall bodily health, too!

Once the baby teeth start to form, they are at risk of decay. And since most babies begin to sprout teeth around 6 months old, that means it’s important to start routine dental check-ups and cleanings right away.

Plus, research has shown improved oral health outcomes for children with a “dental home” – that is, a dentist or dental group they visit regularly as they grow up. Regular visits to the same dental office will help your child feel comfortable and prepared for experience, making cleanings and check-ups more relaxed and enjoyable for your children and for you! At KidCo, we love watching our patients grow up and keeping them smiling happily and healthily the whole way through.

What Happens at an Infant Dental Visit?

The first 2 years of pediatric dental care are focused on supporting the healthy growth of the first set of teeth. At each visit, your baby’s dentist will do a thorough, gentle examination of dental growth, tracking the movements of each tooth and ensuring healthy development. We’ll also do a gentle cleaning each time to make sure the first teeth to appear stay clean and healthy. We may also do a fluoride varnish, and if necessary, treat any early dental decay.

We’ll also talk to you about your baby’s teeth, answer any questions, and provide you with information about how to clean your infant’s teeth at home, feeding do’s and don’ts, and how to give up the pacifier or thumb-sucking when it’s time.

We also want to get to know your child! At each visit, we’ll spend time interacting with your baby, and as they get older, we’ll introduce concepts like proper brushing technique, flossing, and the importance of a healthy diet to keep their teeth clean. Children who learn proper oral health habits at an early age are on track for a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Your baby’s teeth may be small and very cute, but they are still susceptible to dental decay!

A common dental problem in infants 1-2 years is tooth decay due to excessive bottle use. Formula, milk, and juice all have sugars in them, which stick to the teeth when babies suck on a bottle. Babies who suck on a bottle all day long or are put to bed with a bottle have these sugars pooling around their teeth, causing bacteria to grow on the teeth. This leads to dental decay, known as baby bottle tooth decay or “milk mouth”. Such decay can also occur in infants whose pacifiers are dipped in honey, sugar, or syrup.

Baby bottle tooth decay may appear as white spots on the teeth and increased sensitivity as the enamel wears down. It can also cause cavities, which look like brown spots and worsen to darker brown or black as the cavity grows. Severe cavities can grow in very young children’s teeth, even before they switch to solid foods. You may not be able to spot cavities growing on your baby’s teeth, which is why regular dental visits are so important.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, don’t put your child to bed with a bottle. Dilute juice or milk with water, or switch to water entirely. Never dip your child’s pacifier or thumb in food. Clean your baby’s teeth every day with a damp washcloth or small, soft-bristled brush designed for infant oral care. You can either use a tiny smear of toothpaste or skip the toothpaste entirely until your child is old enough to spit.

At your baby’s regular visits to KidCo, we’ll do a gentle examination to look for signs of baby bottle tooth decay, to ensure your baby’s teeth are clean and healthy, to set them up for a lifetime of smile happiness.

Pediatric Dental Care You Can Trust for Your Family’s Smiles!

From their first tooth to their last grown-up molar, KidCo is here for your child’s smile. Start them early with a dental home that feels like family, with world-class pediatric dental care for infants, toddlers, and kids.

Schedule a visit for your child today and come see how KidCo gives your kids dental care they can smile about!