Children’s Dental Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

Regular Dental Care for Children

Most pediatric dentists agree that regular dental care should start by 1 year of age. Dental checkups should occur at least twice each year for most children, though some might need more frequent evaluations and care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) offers specific recommendations. From birth to 6 months old, clean your baby's mouth with gauze or a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime. If you live in an area without fluoridated water, ask your child's healthcare provider or pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements and fluoride varnish. Breastfeeding is beneficial if possible, but it can be challenging. Seek support from your healthcare team if needed. The first tooth should appear during this time, and a pediatric dentist exam is advisable. Brush your child's teeth after each feeding and at bedtime, using a small, soft-bristled brush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. As your child begins to walk, be vigilant for possible dental or facial injuries. The AAPD recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year if possible. You can start offering your child small amounts of water around 6 months. Follow the schedule of dental exams and cleanings recommended by your child's pediatric dentist. At about age 3, as your child learns to rinse and spit, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate. Always supervise your child to ensure they don't swallow the toothpaste.

Facts about Baby Teeth

Proper care of a child's baby or primary teeth is of utmost importance. These teeth hold the space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space needed for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop incorrectly, resulting in stains, pits, and other issues. Primary teeth are significant in speech development and aid in chewing food correctly, promoting healthy nutrition. Most children start losing their baby teeth around ages 5 or 6, with the front teeth often being the first. They continue to lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through, except for the wisdom teeth (third molars), which begin to appear around ages 17 to 21.

Diet and Dental Care for Children

The AAPD recommends several measures to ensure your child eats correctly for maintaining a healthy body and teeth. Ask your child's dentist to help assess your child's diet. Don't routinely stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks; buy "fun foods" just for special times. Limit the number of snacks and choose nutritious ones. Provide a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. Stay away from sugary drinks and don't put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

What to Expect During a Child's First Dental Exam

A child's first dental exam should take place when the first tooth appears or before the first birthday. Starting dental exams early enables the identification of potential dental issues as your child grows and helps establish a daily oral hygiene routine to prevent dental diseases. During an infant/toddler's first dental visit, various procedures and checks are carried out. Call us and schedule your appointment today!