My baby need dental?
When should I start dental care for my infant/toddler?
First visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption (whichever comes first)! The first visit allows us to assess oral development and share with parents the right method & ideology for early dental care!
What would the dentist do at such an early stage?
We would usually provide a simple examination to note any early developmental anomalies:
Tooth eruption patterns
Oral soft tissue health
Frenum attachments (e.g., tongue-tie/lip-tie)
Jaw development
Identify any early signs of malocclusion or oral anomalies.
Also, note the oral hygiene of the patient (child, toddler, or even infant). We are then able to gauge if the oral care provided is sufficient with the right methods to prevent the development of dental disorders such as dental decay and gum diseases.
Early childhood caries: the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 71 months (5 years 11 months) of age or younger. (We will further elaborate in future articles!)
An additional key to note is bottle-feeding practices:
Avoid putting baby to sleep with a bottle (even milk and especially sugary liquids).
Discourage prolonged bottle use after 12–18 months.
We will also provide further consultation on feeding & nutritional habits for our patient growth & development.
What treatments are available at such an early age?
Preventive dentistry starts at an early age. Fluoride therapy is usually deployed:
Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that we gently paint onto your child’s teeth to help prevent cavities (tooth decay) and keep their teeth strong.
Think of it like a shield for your child’s teeth. It works by making the outer layer of the teeth—called enamel—stronger and more resistant to acid and bacteria.
Here’s how fluoride varnish treatment goes:
Your child sits on your lap or in the chair.
The dentist gently dries the teeth with a small piece of gauze or air.
Then, using a small brush, they paint the varnish onto the teeth. It’s usually yellow or clear.
That’s it—done in less than a minute!
Haven’t had a dental checkup for your young growing infant/toddler? Notice teeth erupting in your little ones mouth? A quick consultation could be the start of better oral health & peace of mind, Preventive dentistry starts as early as possible to avoid escalation & dental anxiety. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Anderson today by clicking HERE! or the contact button above.
