Age-One Dental VisitsThe Importance of Caring for Baby Teeth

A Timely Suggestion for A First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) both endorse a baby’s first visit to the dentist to be within “six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or no later than their first birthday.”

What to Check for During an Age-One Visit

Tooth decay

Anything that may negatively affect the development of the teeth and gums

Thumb sucking and other habits which are known to cause misalignment of the teeth and jaw

Early Childhood Caries

Even babies can develop tooth decay.

“Baby bottle tooth decay” is caused from over-exposure to sweetened liquids given to the infant in a baby bottle.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Early childhood caries is the single most common chronic childhood disease.”

What Parents Need to Know About Early Childhood Caries

“Baby bottle tooth decay” can develop when sugary liquids are left to adhere to an infants teeth for long periods of time.

Beverages frequently given to babies (baby formula, milk, fruit juice) contain high volumes of sugars.

Bacteria in the mouth feed off of sugars and can over produce acids that attack the teeth, leading to decay.

Taking an infant to the dentist early on allows for the implementation of positive oral health practices that reduce the risk of preventable dental diseases and decay.

Having ongoing dental care is extremely important for young mouths.

Tips to Give Parents on Caring for Their Baby’s Teeth

Clean the gums with water and a specialized toothbrush for infants, even before teeth appear.

Brush erupted teeth twice a day using a soft brush and a small “dab” of toothpaste.

Try to limit or eliminate sugary liquid intake in the baby’s bottle.

Schedule a first dental appointment when the first tooth erupts or by age one, whichever event comes first.

Follow up with dental visits every six months to ensure dental health.

During the First Visit

Be sure to show parents how to properly clean the baby’s teeth and gums.

Help parents establish a “dental home” for the baby and emphasize the importance of positive oral health habits.

The Concept of a “Dental Home”

A dental home refers to “comprehensive, continuous oral care that is delivered in a setting by a licensed dentist to infants, children, young adults, and those with special needs.”

Having a dental home helps initiate a positive relationship between the child, the parents, and the dental professionals.

Parents can help establish a trusting relationship between their child and his or her dentist and hygienist by starting dental visits early--and continuing the checkups and cleanings every six months as the child grows.

Baby’s First Dental Visit: Guide for the Dental Hygienist

• Review the patient’s medical history.

• Perform knee-to-knee exam with the parent’s help.

• Things to note:

• Clinical dental caries

• Soft tissue irregularities

• White spot lesions in the mouth, overall tongue anatomy

• Enamel decalcification, hypoplasia

• Staining due to poor diet

Baby’s First Dental Visit: Guide for the Dental Hygienist

• Assess for future caries risk/make a treatment plan

• Make the following inquiries:

• Is the infant bottle or breast fed during the night?

• Is there liquid other than water in the infant’s bedtime bottle?

• What level of oral care does the infant receive at home?

• Does the infant intake any sugary foods/snacks?

Baby’s First Dental Visit: Guide for the Dental Hygienist

• Counsel parents on the following:

• No juice or milk while the infant is in bed (only water is acceptable).

• Sippy cup use beyond a certain age is discouraged, as they are proven to increase risk of decay.

• Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, soda, at all cost.

• Encourage a high variety and balanced diet.

• Use fluorides to protect against decay.

Baby’s First Dental Visit: Guide for the Dental Hygienist

• Be an advocate for involved oral home care.

• Demonstrate to parents how to affectively brush infants teeth and gums.

• Recommend use of a small, soft toothbrush with a dab of Fluoride-enriched paste.

• Offer guidance on how to stop thumb sucking and pacifier use.

• Review with parents the protocol for accident/oral trauma care.

And as a final note...

Always stress the importance of Pediatric Dental Care!