When Should My Baby See the Dentist?

Your baby is growing and changing every day, and taking care of their oral health at an early age is an essential step in helping them reach new developmental milestones. The experienced dental team at Stellar Kids Dentistry in Mukilteo, Mill Creek, and Everett, Washington, knows that your baby’s first visit to the dentist is an important occasion for you and your family. That’s why they offer state-of-the-art technology and a welcoming, kid-friendly environment for the whole family.

While you might think your baby is too young for a full dental checkup, you’d be surprised to learn how these early visits can prevent common dental concerns, like cavities. 

How soon should I take my baby to the dentist?

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend taking your child to the dentist within 6 months after their first tooth erupts. 

During these early visits, your Stellar Kids Dentistry dentist can give you helpful information on:

• Mouth and gum cleaning
• Pacifier habits
• Feeding practices
• Bottle tooth decay
• Nutrition and healthy snack choices
• Trauma and injury prevention

Your pediatric dentist may also provide tips on how to manage thumb-sucking, teething, and other common oral health concerns in babies.

How should I prepare for my baby’s first dental visit?

Making sure your baby is calm and content is the most important step in preparing for their first dental visit. These early checkups are crucial for developing a positive relationship between your child and their dentist. A healthy dentist-patient relationship can help ease any fear or anxiety your child may feel about going to the dentist.

You can help set your baby up for success at their first dental visit with the following tips:

• Make sure your visit isn’t during your baby’s feeding time.
• Avoid scheduling the visit during nap time.
• Keep conversations surrounding the appointment fun and positive.
• Bring a special toy or stuffed animal for comfort.

Your baby’s first dental visit is the perfect time to voice any questions or concerns you have regarding their oral health. We recommend preparing a list of questions beforehand. This can help you get the education you need to ensure your baby’s teeth and gums remain healthy.

What happens at my baby’s first dental visit?

Your pediatric dentist’s primary goal during the first dental visit is to examine your baby’s gums and jaw. This helps ensure they’re developing properly. However, the dentist is not likely to take X-rays or perform a teeth cleaning at this initial visit.

Still, your baby’s dentist may examine the teeth your baby does have to check for early signs of tooth decay. This exam also looks for excessive pacifier use, mouth injuries, and other common dental issues in babies and toddlers.

Toward the end of the visit, your pediatric dentist will tell you how soon you should schedule your baby’s next dental exam to protect their gums and tooth development.

Every office contains a fun, calming waiting room with TVs and a play area, so you and your family can feel safe, comfortable, and excited about your baby’s first dental visit.

Call Stellar Kids Dentistry today or book an appointment online to schedule your baby’s first dental visit with a friendly, experienced dentist.