Caring for Baby Teeth for a Lifetime of Health
Baby's First Visit
One of the most enjoyable times in my practice is meeting a young patient during their first dental visit. Every member of our team feels the same way about these special patients. We are all committed to making sure that this first step into a lifelong adventure of dental health is as stress-free and comfortable as possible for everyone. It’s not unusual for parents to be more apprehensive about this first visit than the patient! We get a lot of questions, especially from first time parents, and we are glad to provide answers and demonstrate how to wipe the gums and brush the first teeth. This is so very important because the proper care of baby teeth will impact the ongoing health of your child.
Healthy Baby Teeth
Children need strong and healthy teeth to chew their food, speak their first words properly, and to show off the cutest smile to adoring grandparents. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for adult teeth to come. If a baby tooth is lost too early the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space and result in adult teeth that may become crooked or crowded. Sometimes parents don’t realize when a baby tooth has decayed, and if it is noticed too late, it may not be possible to save the tooth.
What To Expect
We recommend that a baby’s first dental visit is scheduled by their first birthday. You may want to bring your child to meet us before that first visit so that they are familiar with the practice and understand a little about what will happen. We might entertain them with a ride in the chair, show them some of our “toys” or maybe start a little water fight. We also have videos of a monkey brushing his teeth, and many other ways to help you and your baby have the best first visit ever! If your child is nearing their first birthday and has not been to see us yet, please give us a call so we can help make that first appointment a happy memory!
