The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents schedule an initial “well-baby” appointment with a pediatric dentist around six months of age (after the first tooth emerges) or no later than the child’s first birthday.

The incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising in recent years. Early cavities can be painful and may contribute to poor oral health later in childhood. Pediatric dentists are specialists in child psychology and behavior, and provide guidance on oral care routines and strategies to eliminate unwanted oral habits such as pacifier use and thumb sucking.

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Potential Dental Problems for Babies

Babies are at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges. During the first visit, the pediatric dentist will help parents implement preventative strategies and demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed.

Infants who consume breast milk, juice, formula, soda, or sweetened water from a bottle or sippy cup are at higher risk for early childhood caries (cavities). Pediatric dentists advise against filling cups with sugary fluids, dipping pacifiers in honey, and transmitting oral bacteria via shared spoons or cleaning pacifiers in the parent’s mouth.

The pediatric dentist can also assess and balance the infant’s fluoride intake. Too much fluoride between ages one and four may cause fluorosis, while too little increases susceptibility to tooth decay.

What Happens During the First Visit?

Pediatric dental offices are designed to be fun and stimulating, and all staff are trained to communicate effectively with infants and young children.

During the first visit, the pediatric dentist will:

  • Advise parents on a good oral care routine
  • Ask questions about the child’s oral habits and diet
  • Examine the child’s emerging teeth
  • Allow the child and parents to become familiar with the office and staff
  • Perform a gentle cleaning if teeth appear stained
  • Apply a topical fluoride treatment if appropriate

The examination is usually performed using the knee-to-knee technique, where the parent and dentist sit facing each other and the infant’s head rests in the dentist’s lap, allowing the child to see the parent at all times.

Questions Your Pediatric Dentist May Ask

During the first visit, the pediatric dentist will ask about:

  • Current oral care practices
  • Diet and feeding habits
  • General health
  • Oral habits (thumb sucking, pacifier use, etc.)
  • Current fluoride intake

Advice Provided by the Pediatric Dentist

Based on the information gathered, the pediatric dentist can advise parents on:

  • Accident prevention
  • Adding xylitol and fluoride to the infant’s diet
  • Choosing an ADA-approved, non-fluoridated toothpaste
  • Selecting an appropriate toothbrush
  • Choosing an orthodontically correct pacifier
  • Correct head positioning during brushing
  • Easing the transition from sippy cup to adult-sized drinking glasses (12–14 months)
  • Reducing fussiness during oral care
  • Establishing a drink-free bedtime routine
  • Maintaining healthy dietary habits
  • Minimizing risk of tooth decay
  • Reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake
  • Teething and developmental milestones

If you have further questions or concerns about the timing or nature of your child’s first oral checkup, please consult your pediatric dentist.