When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?

While many children get their teeth between 6 and 9 months, it is not unusual for a 12 month old to have fewer than 8 teeth. There is a wide range of tooth eruption.

How often should I schedule dentist appointments for my child?

Subsequent periodicity of future reappointments is based upon risk assessment of potential dental issues determined at the first dental visit. This schedule provides time-critical opportunities to implement preventive health practices and reduce the child's risk of preventable dental/oral conditions or disease. Generally visits are every six months, but can be sooner depending on the child's risk for dental disease.

How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?

You can help us make your child's first visit a successful experience. Please feel at ease and relaxed, as any anxiety on your part will be transferred to your child. Tell your child that we will count their teeth, show them how to brush, and possibly take a picture. Please avoid any mention of fear provoking terms such as hurt, drill, pull, and needle. During the visit, try not to compete with the talking of the dentist as it gives the child two people to listen to and divides their attention. If there is anything that would be helpful to understand a child's behavior, like illness, family problems, school issues, the dental staff needs to know. This will facilitate a successful visit.

When should parents take their children for their first dental checkup?

A child's first visit should be between 12 and 18 months old.

What will happen during my child's first visit to the dentist?

For infants and toddlers, the dental staff members will greet the child in a playful complimentary manner. The parent and child will be escorted into the treatment area, and be introduced to the dentist or hygienist. In our office, all young children under the age of three will be treated on the parent's lap. The parent is positioned on the dental chair facing the dentist, and the child is positioned on their lap also facing the dentist. After talking to the child, the dentist will tell the child what will be done in terms they can understand, then show the child the fun dental toys that are used. An oral examination is accomplished evaluating the teeth present, to detect decay , check the development of the jaw, gums and soft tissues. An explanation of proper age related oral hygiene and nutrition will be discussed as well as and giving guidance regarding oral habits, oral hygiene, and stages of dental development. This first dental experience is a new one for the child and with the proper orchestration can be a very positive and even fun visit.