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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that regular dental visits begin at one year of age. This visit is often called a “Well Baby Exam” and is meant to provide your family with guidance on how to start caring for your child’s teeth.
You can help make this visit a positive one for your child. Use positive language around your child when discussing the dentist and his or her first visit. There are several great children’s books and videos about going to the dentist that you and your child could enjoy before his or her first visit. Be aware of any nervousness or anxiety that you are displaying as your child will certainly notice. Your positive attitude will go a long way in helping you make your child’s first dental visit a success.
Take care to clean all the surfaces of your child’s teeth with a soft age appropriate toothbrush 2-3 times per day. At this stage, brush with water or fluoride free training paste and help your child floss once teeth are touching.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle filled with anything but water can cause rapid development of tooth decay. Avoid this at all times!
Keep in mind bottle feeding with juice, repeated use of sippy or non-spill cups, frequent in-between meal snacks and drinks containing sugar increase the risk of your child developing decay.
Be sure to take care of your own dental health, as you can pass on cavity causing bacteria to your child.
If you have any other questions or would like to make an appointment or arrange a consultation, call (858) 755-4223 or request an appointment online.
