A child’s first dental visit is an important step towards dental health. The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every child see a dentist by age one. This first visit allows us to look for early signs of decay and tooth abnormalities, recommend diet and hygiene changes, and give your child a healthy start!

The first tooth usually erupts between 6-9 months of age. However, there is a wide range of tooth eruption and it is not unusual for a child to have delayed eruption of teeth. When your child is teething, he or she may be restless, drool, have sensitive gums, or have a low grade fever and diarrhea. You can help your baby feel better by massaging sore gums with a finger brush or placing frozen teething rings on gums. Orajel and other topical numbing products may be used, but are not recommended in large amounts or for extended periods of time because they can numb the entire mouth. You may use your child’s pediatric dose of Tylenol or other pain/fever-reducing medication as directed.

Good oral hygiene is important before the first tooth even comes in! From the time your baby is born, wipe the gums every night with a damp, clean washcloth or gauze. When the first tooth erupts, begin using a finger brush with non-fluoridated, toddler toothpaste to clean teeth every morning after breakfast and every night before bed. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or give any food or drink other than water after brushing. As your child grows, you can use toothbrushes labeled for his or her age. As soon as your child can spit toothpaste out without swallowing any, you may safely switch over to fluoridated toothpaste (this is usually around age five). Remember – even when your child is a baby, any teeth that are touching need to be flossed between!

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Dental problems may begin very early. Severe decay, called “baby bottle tooth decay” can occur when a child is put to bed with a bottle or allowed to walk around with a milk bottle all day. Remember that you should never let your child have anything other than water after you brush at night. Sugars from milk or juice would sit on the teeth all night and eat away the protective outer layer of the tooth, causing painful cavities. These cavities usually appear first on the front teeth but may also affect back teeth. As soon as you notice any stains, holes, or suspicious areas on your child’s teeth, give us a call at (336)887-9277. Cavities spread in children’s mouths much faster than in adult’s, so it is important to catch it early.

Also avoid putting syrup or other sugary substances on pacifiers. It is never a good idea to let small children drink sodas, coffee or tea – the acids in these drinks wear teeth down and cause stains and cavities. Children’s teeth are much softer than adult teeth and are more susceptible to decay and wear.