Early Dental Care

Let’s Protect Your Child’s Smile

Your child’s earliest experience at a dental office can significantly shape their overall oral health habits. That’s why we’ve created a safe, kid-friendly space designed to transform anxieties into positive associations. From bright, cheerful decor and engaging waiting room activities to gentle care, we want to make your child’s dental visit as pleasant as possible—and even fun!

Dental Care Starts Before Teeth Appear

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, their gums can benefit from careful dental attention. After feeding your baby, we recommend gently wiping their gums with a damp cloth to clear away any leftover milk and to begin the process of building good oral care habits.

When Your Baby’s Teething Starts

Between the ages of six and twelve months, you should start seeing your child’s first teeth appearing through the gums. During this time, your child will experience some gum soreness that can cause him or her to be cranky and irritable. Luckily, while your child is teething, you can alleviate some of the pain by doing the following:

• Gently massage the gums with a clean finger.
• Rub the gums with the back of a cold spoon or a damp, chilly cloth.
• Give your child a cool teething ring.

Watch For Signs of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Did you know that baby bottle decay occurs when sugar in the milk your baby is drinking mixes with the bacteria in dental plaque to form an acid that attacks tooth enamel? When your child is awake, they produce sufficient saliva to wash away the acid. Unfortunately, when your child is asleep, there is less saliva production, which puts them at risk for decay. This is why you should be cautious of letting your child fall asleep while drinking from a bottle.

It’s very important to check your child for signs of baby bottle decay every two weeks. Take the time to examine your child’s teeth, especially the inside of the teeth. Signs to watch for include white spots or unusual lines on the teeth and dullness. If you notice any of these signs, please contact us for an appointment.

Your Child’s First Visit

When you bring your child to our office for their first dental visit (at around the age of one), it’s helpful to make more frequent visits to create positive experiences. The most important part of this first visit is for your child to feel comfortable with all the sights, sounds, and people at our office! Our team is very experienced in making children feel comfortable and at ease, which should make you feel better, too.

The Sooner, The Better

If you have any questions about early dental care or would like to know more about what your child’s visit will be like, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, please call our office at (806) 351-0008
We look forward to your child’s visit with us!