Dental Care for Your Baby

We recommend scheduling your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor tooth development, check that growth is on track, and give you practical guidance on caring for your baby's mouth at home. These appointments are gentle, low-pressure, and focused primarily on education and getting your child comfortable in the dental setting.

Yes. Even before the first tooth appears, gently wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings helps keep the mouth clean and begins building the routine of oral care. Starting early helps your baby get used to having their mouth cleaned, which makes the transition to brushing much easier once teeth begin to arrive.

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft infant toothbrush with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, for children under age three. As your child grows and more teeth come in, we will guide you on when and how to adjust the amount of toothpaste and technique. If you are unsure about what to use, we are happy to walk you through it at any visit.

Yes, a condition known as early childhood caries, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, can develop when teeth are frequently exposed to milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened liquids over long periods of time. This is particularly common when babies fall asleep with a bottle or have prolonged nighttime feeding after teeth have erupted. We will talk with you about simple, realistic steps to reduce cavity risk without making you feel pressured or judged. Every family's situation is different.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding juice entirely for children under one year of age and limiting it significantly for toddlers. Juice is high in sugar and provides frequent acid exposure that can damage developing enamel. Water and milk are the best beverage choices for young children. If juice is part of your child's routine, we can discuss ways to reduce the dental impact without making major lifestyle changes all at once.

Most babies begin teething between four and seven months of age, though the range is wide and varies from child to child. The lower front teeth typically appear first, followed by the upper front teeth. Teething can cause irritability, drooling, and gum discomfort. A clean, chilled teething ring can help soothe gum soreness. If you have concerns about your baby's teething timeline or symptoms, feel free to bring it up at their visit.