Dental FAQ

 

When should my child have his first dentist visit?

A general rule for a child's first visit to the dentist should happen around his first birthday according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). He may only have 4-5 teeth at this time.

  What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and how can it be prevented?

Babies can develop tooth decay before their first tooth erupts. The first accounts of tooth decay in children are usually caused by frequent and long exposures of the baby's gums and teeth to sweet liquids such as milk, breast milk, formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened drinks. When a child is put to sleep with a bottle filled with a liquid other than water, the liquid forms puddles around the baby's gums and teeth and offer plaque bacteria a way to attack the tooth enamel by producing acids.

You can prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay by eliminating a nap time drink or only offering water. If your child will not accept this change, try diluting the normal nap time fluid with water till it is eventually plain water. You can also wipe the baby's gums and teeth with damp washcloth or gauze pad. Get in a position over your baby to see the complete inside of his/her mouth to make sure you are wiping the entire surface area.