When Should I Bring My Baby For Their First Dental Appointment?

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Adults and older children visit the dentist regularly. Did you know that babies need to see the dentist too? If you have a baby, taking them to the dentist in Rockville, MD, can help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. Knowing when to take your baby to the dentist is important. Here’s what you need to know.

When Should My Baby See the Dentist?

Bring your baby for their first dental appointment within six months of growing their first tooth, or by the time they turn one year old. Even if your baby only has one tooth, taking your baby to this first dental appointment is important. Here’s what you can expect during this dental appointment:

  • The dentist will examine your child’s tooth or teeth.
  • The dentist will take time to answer your questions.
  • The dentist will help you and your child feel comfortable in the dentist’s office.

What If My Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth Yet?

If your baby doesn’t have teeth by the time they turn one year old, you should still bring your baby to the dentist. During the dental appointment, the dentist will be able to examine your baby’s gums and let you know if there’s any reason to be concerned.

Can Babies Get Cavities?

Yes, babies can get cavities. Avoid sending your baby to bed drinking a bottle, as this is one of the most common ways that babies can get cavities. Brush your baby’s teeth at night and in the morning to help prevent cavities from forming. Avoid giving your baby sugary foods or drinks.

Is it time for your baby’s pediatric dental cleaning in Rockville, MD? Call today to make their first appointment.

4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Cavities

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Cavities hurt! Cavities that are left untreated can also turn into dental infections that hurt even more. You can help your child avoid cavities by taking your child to the dentist in Rockville, MD and by following the advice below.

1. Reduce Their Sugar Intake

Sugar is bad for your child’s teeth. Kids are especially vulnerable to cavities because they eat so much sugar! You can help protect your child’s teeth by reducing their sugar intake.

  • Avoid buying sugary fruit juices and sodas. Give your child water instead.
  • Keep sugar-free snacks like vegetables and boiled eggs on hand.
  • Feed your child desserts that contain less sugar.

2. Brush Their Teeth Until They Can Do It Themselves

Most children are unable to brush their teeth properly until they turn about 7 years old. Brush your child’s teeth at night until they are able to brush their teeth on their own. Monitor their toothbrushing habits once they start brushing their own teeth, to be sure they’re brushing for long enough.

3. Give Them An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are fun to use. They also help eliminate plaque better than manual toothbrushes. To build your child’s enthusiasm for toothbrushing, give them an electric toothbrush.

4. Replace Their Toothbrush Every Three Months

Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months. Mark your calendar or set an alarm in your phone to remind yourself when to buy a new one.

Want more advice? Write down your questions and ask them when you bring your child for a dental checkup in Rockville, MD. Call Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make your child’s next dental appointment.

3 Common Dental Problems For Children

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Don’t wait for your older child to get a toothache before visiting the dentist. Children should have their first dental visit no later than the age of one, when their first tooth erupts, or earlier if there may be a potential tooth or gum problem.

1. Tongue-tie or Lip-tie

These are two congenital conditions that may go unnoticed without the help of your pediatric dentist in Rockville, MD. Tongue-tie is when the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, and restricts range of motion. Lip-tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gums is restrictive. Both can potentially cause problems with breastfeeding, speaking impairments, eating problems and dental alignment issues.

2. Baby Teeth Decay

Many parents are surprised to learn that baby teeth can decay before they even erupt from the gums. Typically, this is at least partially caused by an excess of sugary drinks, such as apple juice. An early visit to your child’s dentist will include helpful tips and advice to help you to avoid the need to extract decayed baby teeth. And, if problems have already developed, your family dentist will offer effective solutions that support your child’s future dental health.

3. Alignment Issues

Alignment problems with children’s teeth are often caused by thumb sucking and/or the use of pacifiers. While pacifiers serve a valuable purpose for parents, their prolonged use can cause teeth to grow in crooked. Unfortunately, thumb sucking can do the same thing. Your family dentist in Rockville, MD has helpful ideas to help your child break the pacifier habit. We can also identify potential alignment issues before they become expensive orthodontic problems later on.

Your Rockville, MD, dentist is here for your whole family, including your children. Contact us now for a child-friendly dentist visit!