HOW EARLY SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN HAVE THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents should make an initial well-baby” appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the emergence of the first tooth, or no later than the childs first birthday.

Although this may seem surprisingly early, the incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising in recent years.  Tooth decay and early cavities can be exceptionally painful if they are not attended to immediately, and can also set the scene for poor oral health in later childhood.

The pediatric dentist is a specialist in child psychology and child behavior, and should be viewed as an important source of information, help, and guidance.  Oftentimes, the pediatric dentist can provide strategies for eliminating unwanted oral habits (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking) and can also help parents in establishing a sound daily oral routine for the child.

What potential dental problems can babies experience?

A baby is at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges.  During the first visit, the pediatric dentist will help parents implement a preventative strategy to protect the teeth from harm, and also demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed.

In particular, infants who drink breast milk, juice, baby formula, soda, or sweetened water from a baby bottle or sippy cup are at high-risk for early childhood caries (cavities).  To counteract this threat, the pediatric dentist discourages parents from filling cups with sugary fluids, dipping pacifiers in honey, and transmitting oral bacteria to the child via shared spoons and/or cleaning pacifiers in their own mouths.

Importantly, the pediatric dentist can also assess and balance the infants fluoride intake.  Too much fluoride ingestion between the ages of one and four years old may lead to a condition known as fluorosis in later childhood.  Conversely, too little fluoride may render young tooth enamel susceptible to tooth decay.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION NOW

If you are looking for a modern dentist office that knows how to make dentistry a bit fun, then you should check out Sunray Pediatric Dentistry

Contact us to schedule your appointment and become part of our family.

Making First Visits a Breeze

Digital Forms & Flexible Financing

Explore Convenient Options

There’s a Horizon of Smiles Ahead

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Call: (858) 215-2485
Text: (858) 282-0085
Fax: (858) 905 3385

13350 Camino Del Sur
Suite 3B
San Diego, CA 92129

[email protected]

Hours

MON: 08:00am – 6:00pm
TUES: 10:00am – 6:00pm
WED: 8:00am – 4:00pm
THU: 8:00am – 5:00pm
FRI: 8:00am – 4:00pm