First Dental Visit
A child's first visit should be between 18 and 24 months old. The dentist will introduce him or her to the dental instruments in a playing way, do a clinical examination to detect decay and proper dental facial development, and give guidance regarding oral habits, oral hygiene, and stages of dental development. While many children get their teeth between 6 and 9 months, it is not unusual for a 12 month old to have fewer than 8 teeth. There is a wide range of tooth eruption. Proper oral hygiene should be instituted as early as when the first tooth comes into the mouth. Teeth should be wiped off with a gauze pad, diaper or thin washcloth. A toothbrush is not necessary as most young children will chew on it and destroy it in a day. Toothpaste is not necessary as most children will swallow it. If toothpaste is needed due to stain on the teeth, a non fluoride toothpaste should be used until a child can spit out. Wiping off the teeth and gum pads will massage them and help reduce teething discomfort. Plaque will form on any tooth and the gum pads around them causing potential inflammation and teething discomfort.Dental problems can begin very early. The primary cause of dental decay in young children is nursing or baby bottle tooth decay. A baby may get severe decay when he or she nurses constantly from the breast or a bottle containing milk or juice during bedtime or naps. A child should not be put to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid. If a bottle is used, only water should be used. A pacifier is preferable. Bottle or breast feeding be stopped by about one year of age.
If you have further questions, or need a referral to a local pediatric dentist, email us.
Center for Pediatric Dental Care * 1560 Beacon Street * Brookline, MA 02446 * 617-731-KIDS (5437)
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