A baby with two tiny bottom teeth, or none at all, does not look like a typical dental patient, and many parents wonder what a dentist could possibly do. The visit centers on a careful look inside your baby’s mouth, a few questions about feeding and care, and a plan for keeping those new teeth healthy as they arrive.
Dr. Michael Wang and our team at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry in Fremont see infants regularly as part of our dental care for infants and toddlers. Your baby’s first exam gives us a starting point for watching how the teeth and mouth develop, while giving you a chance to ask about anything from teething and brushing to bottles and pacifiers.
How You Should Time Your Baby’s First Exam
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages families to establish a dental home by 12 months of age, which includes a health history, a dental exam, a cavity risk assessment, and guidance for parents. First teeth usually appear around 6 months, so the first exam often falls somewhere between that first tooth and your baby’s first birthday.
Every baby’s schedule is a little different, and when baby teeth come in can vary quite a bit from one child to the next. You do not need to wait for a full set of teeth, because the exam is just as useful with only gums and a first tooth or two to check.
What We Look at During the Exam
Every baby’s mouth develops a little differently, and the first exam gives Dr. Wang a chance to see where your child is now. Depending on their age and how many teeth have come in, the visit may include:
- Health history: We ask about your baby’s health, development, and feeding habits before beginning the exam.
- Mouth development: Dr. Wang checks the gums, any erupted teeth, and the overall development of the mouth.
- Cavity risk: We look at feeding and cleaning habits that can increase the risk of early tooth decay.
- Home cleaning: We show you how to clean your baby’s gums and brush new teeth as they appear.
- Habits and safety: We can answer questions about pacifiers, thumb sucking, and preventing injuries as your baby becomes more mobile.
Once the exam is finished, Dr. Wang will explain what he sees and answer your questions about caring for your baby’s mouth at home. If you have noticed a spot, bump, discoloration, or anything else that looks unusual, point it out during the visit so he can take a closer look.
Helping Your Baby Feel at Ease During Their First Exam
Try to schedule the appointment for a time when your baby is usually awake and comfortable rather than close to a nap or feeding. Bringing something familiar, such as a favorite blanket or soft toy, may help too. If you have questions about what you will need at the appointment, our first visit information can help you prepare ahead of time.
Do not worry if your baby fusses or cries during the exam. That is common at this age, and we can work around their reactions while we take a look inside their mouth. Staying close and talking to your baby as you normally would can help make the experience feel more familiar. If they are sick or having an especially difficult day when the appointment arrives, give us a call so we can decide if rescheduling makes more sense.
Questions About Teething, Feeding, and Home Care
Teething is a common topic because gums can feel sore, and babies may drool more, fuss, or run a low fever as their first teeth come in. The AAPD lists oral pain relievers and teething rings for chewing as options, and it advises against teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine and teething necklaces due to safety risks.
Feeding questions come up just as often. The AAPD notes that added sugar should be avoided before age 2 and juice should wait until after 12 months, and it also links a mother’s oral health to her child’s. As your baby grows, each stage of pediatric dental care brings new questions, and we are glad to talk through them.
Book Your Baby’s First Infant Oral Health Exam at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry
Your baby’s first dental visit is a chance to see how their mouth and first teeth are developing and to get answers to the questions that naturally come up during the first year. Dr. Michael Wang and our team want parents to feel comfortable asking about anything from brushing and teething to bottles, pacifiers, and feeding habits. We keep these early visits relaxed and give your baby time to get comfortable with the new surroundings.
Our Mission Boulevard office welcomes families from across Fremont, including Mission San Jose and Irvington, and Dr. Wang speaks Mandarin and Spanish in addition to English. When your baby is ready for their first checkup, contact our office to schedule a visit.