Your Young Child's Dental Health is Important

Your baby should have their first dental visit no later than one year old. During their first visit, the dental provider will ask about family dental and health history. They may also check your baby's teeth and apply fluoride. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Your dental provider can offer tips on teething, thumb sucking and oral health care at home.

Healthy baby teeth are important because they:

• Hold space in a child’s mouth as they grow.
• Help children eat and speak.
• Help give them a beautiful, pain-free smile.
   

Pay attention to the following milestones when it comes to the development of your young child’s teeth:

• 0-6 Months - Now is the time to start good dental habits at home. Most babies will get their first tooth around 6 months old.
  • Use a clean washcloth with a little water to gently wipe your baby’s gums.
  • When your baby starts to get teeth, start brushing twice a day. Use a rice size smear of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. This can cause tooth decay.
  • When your baby gets their first tooth, make an appointment for their first dental visit.
• 7-11 Months - During this time your baby will keep getting upper and lower front teeth.
  • Do not give your baby sugary drinks including fruit juice unless your baby’s doctor tells you to.
  • Germs that cause tooth decay can be passed from you to your baby. When you eat, do not share the same spoon or cup.
  • Tooth decay can happen as soon as teeth start to show. Teeth should be all one color and without dark spots.
  • Continue brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• 1-2 Years - Back teeth will start to show during this time. As your baby eats more solids, make sure that they’re eating a variety of healthy food:
  • Breads and cereals containing whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables including beans
  • Lean meats like turkey, chicken and fish
  • Milk, cheese and yogurt
  • Water (to drink in between meals)

Another way to protect your baby’s gums and teeth is to choose a dental home - a dentist office to get care now and into the future. Starting this relationship early helps your baby get comfortable with the dentist and in doctors’ offices overall.

DentaQuest members can use our Find a Dentist tool to find a dental home for you and your child. Make an appointment before your child is one year old. The team at the dental home will keep an eye on possible risks to future health and provide guidance to help your family healthy.

At DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., we work to make quality dental care accessible and improve the oral health of all.