Professional Documents
Culture Documents
fact sheet
B A B Y S F I RS T DE N T A L V I S I T : W H A T T O E X P E C T
The first dental visit should be just before your babys first teeth come in (average age 6 months). The first dental visit
is short and allows for parents to be given instructions to take care of their childs teeth. The dentist may ask you to sit in
the chair and hold your child during the examination to get a better look at their teeth.
Your infant will be monitored from their first tooth up until the age of 3, or when they are able to sit in the dental chair
by themselves. Their teeth and gums will be gently examined. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check the
progress of your childs permanent teeth under the gums. They may also have a cleaning and apply topical fluoride to
help protect teeth against decay. The dentist will teach you how to brush and floss your childs teeth at home.
Baby Bottle
TOOTH DECAY
Talk to them about what the dentist will be doing during the visit
Health Policy
fact sheet
References:
Medline Plus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002061.htm
WebMD http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/what-is-baby-bottle-toothdecay
Health Finder http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/parenting/doctorvisits/take-care-of-your-childs-teeth#the-basics_3
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/dental_caries.html
A guide
to babys
dental
health
EFFECT S OF S UG AR
the sugar, they make acid. Over time, the acid sitting
PREV ENTI O N
BREA ST MILK
Breast milk by itself is the
healthiest food for babies teeth. It
tends to slow bacterial growth and
acid production. However, when
breast milk is alternated with
sugary foods or drinks, the rate of
tooth decay can be faster than with
sugar alone.