Good Oral Hygiene Starts Before The First Tooth

Oral health begins even before your child’s first tooth appears. Healthy gums create a strong foundation for baby teeth, which play a key role in your child’s development. Primary teeth help guide proper jaw growth and ensure permanent teeth come in correctly. That’s why it’s important for parents to gently care for their infant’s gums and soft tissues from the very beginning.

Why Primary Teeth Matter

Baby teeth do more than just help your child chew and speak—they act as natural placeholders for their future permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to injury or decay, it can affect how adult teeth develop and erupt. In some cases, we may recommend a space maintainer to hold that space until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay can occur when milk, formula, or juice sits in a baby’s mouth for extended periods—especially during sleep. The sugars mix with bacteria to form acids that can damage delicate enamel.

To help prevent this:

• Avoid letting your baby sleep with a bottle.

• After feeding, gently wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth.

• Check your child’s teeth and gums regularly for chalky white spots or lines, which may be early signs of decay.

If you notice anything unusual, give us a call. Early intervention can help protect your baby’s smile.

When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first dental exam by their first birthday—or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit allows us to check your baby’s oral development, provide helpful guidance for home care, and ensure your child feels comfortable at the dentist from the start.