🦷 Your Child’s First Dental Visit
When Should My Child See a Dentist?
✔ According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first dental check-up between 6 months and 1 year old.
✔ Early visits help prevent cavities, detect oral issues, and educate parents on best dental care practices.
What to Expect at the First Appointment
✔ Warm & friendly introduction – We help your child feel safe and comfortable in the dental chair.
✔ Medical & dental history review – We’ll discuss your child’s overall health and any concerns.
✔ Gentle oral exam – A thorough evaluation of the teeth, gums, and jaw to check for any issues.
✔ Parent participation encouraged – You can accompany your child during the visit to see how we care for them.
✔ X-rays (if necessary) – Taken only when needed to assess hidden cavities or tooth development.
✔ Teeth cleaning & fluoride treatment – If no additional treatment is needed, we’ll clean the teeth and apply fluoride to help prevent cavities.
💡 Tip: Talking to your child about their first dental visit in a positive and reassuring way can help make the experience stress-free!
🦷 Why Baby Teeth (Primary Teeth) Matter
Some parents assume that baby teeth aren’t important since they eventually fall out—but they play a crucial role in early childhood development.
✔ Chewing & nutrition – Helps your child eat properly and comfortably.
✔ Speech development – Supports proper pronunciation of words.
✔ Guiding permanent teeth – Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, ensuring they grow in correctly.
✔ Preventing pain & infection – Healthy baby teeth reduce the risk of decay that can affect permanent teeth.
How to Care for Baby Teeth
✔ Before teeth emerge – Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
✔ When the first tooth appears – Begin brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
✔ Ages 2+ – Introduce a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (supervise to ensure they spit, not swallow).
✔ Flossing – Once teeth touch, start flossing daily to prevent cavities.
🦷 Preventing Cavities in Young Children
✔ Avoid baby bottle tooth decay:
🚫 No milk, juice, or formula at bedtime – Only offer water if your child needs a bottle.
🚫 No sugary pacifiers – Never dip pacifiers in honey or sugar, as this can cause rapid decay.
✔ Limit sugary drinks & snacks – Encourage healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
✔ Encourage proper brushing habits – Make brushing fun with colorful toothbrushes and kid-friendly toothpaste.
✔ Schedule regular checkups – Professional cleanings and exams every six months help maintain a healthy smile.
📞 Start your child on the path to excellent oral health! Call 212-683-2530 to book their first visit today.
At Manhattan Dental Spa, we believe that early dental care is the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let us help keep your child’s teeth strong, cavity-free, and bright! 😊