For Parents
Dental Care for Your Baby
Q. When should my child first see a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child
should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually
between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive
care will protect your child´s smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention
program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood
Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your
child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night
or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
A: Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach
their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle.
At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first
primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle
should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.
Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
A: Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months
of age.
Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop
by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged
thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems.
Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged
thumb sucking habit.
Q. When should I start cleaning my baby´s teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child´s
gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small
children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively.
Unless it is advised by your child's pediatric dentist, do not use
fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
Q. Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums
when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon,
or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others
simply rub the baby´s gums with a clean finger.
