Baby Care

Q: Why a pediatric dentist?
A: Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of the dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school. They are specialty oral care providers for children newborn through adolescents. They also have training in child psychology and behavior management skills.

Q: When should I bring in my baby for the first visit?
A: The AAPD recommends your baby’s first dental visit to be at age 12 months or 6 months after the first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

Q: What will be done on the first visit?
A: We will be on the look-out for cavities, but that is only one reason for the first visit at 12 months old. Equally important is reviewing milestones, proper hygiene techniques, and diet. Establishing the relationship and trust, if begun at an early age, can help your baby become comfortable with coming to the dentist in the future.

Q: When should they see the dentist again?
A: “Well child” visits or check-ups should be every 6 months.

Q: What kind of toothpaste and how much should I use?
A: When your baby’s first tooth appears, you can use a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste once to twice daily. After age 3 years old, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a small pea-size.

Q: What can I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
A: Any toothbrush with small head and soft bristles is best, but wiping with a cloth or guaze wet with water will work well, too.

Q: How do I brush my baby’s teeth?
Here’s a video How to clean your baby’s teeth

Q: Do I floss my baby’s teeth?
A: Introducing floss is great training, but is especially important if your baby’s teeth are close together.

Q: When will my baby’s teeth show?
Please see this animation on Baby teeth eruption sequence.