Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

We invite you to stay with your child during their visits.
 

For your convenience...when visiting our office, please print the form and complete the information and bring it with you to your first visit.

To print the form you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.  If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, please click here to download it for free to your computer.
 

WHY BABY TEETH ARE IMPORTANT - It is important to keep baby teeth clean and healthy because:
  * Baby teeth hold spaces open for the permanent teeth to come in.
  * They help form the shape of the child's face.
  * They help the child speak more clearly.
  * They help the child eat and chew more easily.

TEETHING
  * Discomfort and redness of gums can occur when baby teeth are erupting.
  * Common signs are increased amounts of saliva, drooling, irritability, fingers and toys in mouth.
  * Fever? Be sure to rule out medical problems (e.g. earache).

PREVENTION OF TOOTH DECAY - Cleaning your child's mouth
Even before the teeth begin to come in, you should clean/massage the baby's gums at least once a day with a clean gauze pad or soft wash cloth. Gradually and playfully use a toothbrush to clean the teeth as they erupt. It is not necessary to use toothpaste, but if you do, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a small pea) and do not let the child swallow it.

FLUORIDE - Ask the pediatrician if a supplement is needed (only after six months of age). This helps to strengthen developing permanent teeth only. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. (Read the label)

TOOTH DECAY-Can result when baby teeth are not cared for properly. Effects of tooth decay:  
  * May cause pain and discomfort.
  * May cause infections that can affect the child's total health.
  * May damage the underlying permanent teeth.
  * May cause loss of the space needed for permanent teeth to come in.
  * It can cause the child to need emergency care.
  * It can result in costly dental care.

BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY ("NURSING CARIES")
Is caused by the frequent exposure of a child's teeth for long periods of time (naptime and bedtime) to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are breast milk, formula, milk, and fruit juices. If the teeth and gums are not cleaned, the bacteria (germs) in the mouth turn the sugar into acid. The acid eats away at the enamel (outer coating of the teeth) causing tooth decay. This first appears as tan or brown spots on the front and backside of the upper front teeth and will spread to the upper molars.
  * The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than the enamel of permanent teeth, making it easier for 
    the acid to destroy the teeth.
  * During the day, saliva in the mouth helps wash away some of the sugary liquid from the teeth
    (but you still need to clean the teeth.)
  * At naptime or night, the flow of saliva slows down and the baby swallows less often. Bacteria
    have more time to feed on the sugars to produce the acid that causes decay.
  * The damage is seen first on the upper front teeth and the first molars. The lower front teeth are
    not usually affected except in severe cases.


PREVENTION OF BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY (BOTTLE\BREAST FEEDING GUIDELINES)
  * Clean your baby's teeth after each bottle or breastfeeding and after giving any medicine or
    cough syrup that contains sugar.
  * Do not use the bottle as a pacifier. Use the bottle for feedings only.
  * Sucking is a natural instinct (need) for all babies. If your baby seems to need more time for
    sucking after being fed, give him either a pacifier or a bottle of plain water.
  * Never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle of milk or other sweetened liquids. Try to feed
    only water in the bottle at naptimes and bedtime.
  * Avoid bedtime or naptime feedings (more than thirty minutes). If necessary, be sure to wipe
    teeth and gums.
  * For toddlers, other liquid feedings should be given in a cup.
  * Wean your baby from the bottle to a cup by 12 months of age. Do not let the child nurse a sip
    cup all day long.

THUMB-SUCKING AND THE USE OF A PACIFIER
  * Do not tie a pacifier on a ribbon or cord around the child's neck.
  * Do not dip the pacifier into sweeteners, especially honey.
  * Monitor pacifier use and refrain from allowing the child to use it constantly, especially during  
    active play.
  * Parents will have little control over a thumb or finger sucking habit. There are less severe dental
    effects from pacifier use compared to finger habits.
  * There is no significant difference between orthodontic pacifiers and conventional pacifiers.

EARLY DENTAL VISITS
  * The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend an infant oral health screening by one year of age. After understanding this handout, a visit at age three is appropriate. If you notice anything unusual, (e.g. staining of teeth, swelling, chipped teeth, etc.) call your physician or our office for a consultation.

HOW MANY TEETH AND WHEN? Click here to see a tooth eruption chart

My Visit to the Dentist is a personalized child's coloring book
to help your child look forward to their first dental visit.