Should I Take My Teething Baby to the Dentist?

New developments happen almost weekly as an infant grows during their first year. Seeing a new tooth appear in their mouth can be exciting, but it’s also a reminder that pediatric dentistry is now a necessity. 

Our orthodontists and pediatric dentists at Hendricks Dental Specialists welcome you and your baby to their office in Brentwood, Tennessee, for gentle preventive care. They walk you through the steps of infant oral care so you can continue caring for those new teeth at home.

If you have a teething baby at home, don’t wait to schedule their first dental visit. This guide will tell you when it’s time to book and what you can expect at the appointment. 

When to book the first dental appointment

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both agree that the best time for a baby’s first dental visit is when their first tooth erupts. As soon as you notice a tooth peeking through the gum, it’s time to reach out to a trusted dentist. 

For most babies, the first tooth comes in when they’re around six months old. They should have their first pediatric dental visit by the time they turn one year old. 

Even if you don’t see the first tooth, you may notice signs that your baby is entering the teething phase. Your baby might:

• Refuse food or stop eating
• Seem irritable or cry more often
• Rub their cheeks or gums
• Cough or gag
• Chew or gnaw on toys
• Drool often
• Develop a rash around their mouth because of the drooling
• Wake up frequently during the night

Not all teething infants will experience these symptoms, but you should note them if they occur. Your baby’s attitude might change because of the discomfort of an erupting tooth. 

What to expect at the first pediatric dental visit

At Hendricks Dental Specialists, we will help you and your baby feel comfortable and at ease. We answer your questions about teething and general infant oral health. 

Your baby’s dentist will examine their mouth and look at the teeth that are coming in. They search for signs of early dental problems and can offer advice about home oral care. Once some teeth have come in, we may apply a protective fluoride varnish. 

How to care for your teething baby at home

We can give you detailed advice on how to care for your baby’s teeth and reduce the discomfort of teething. Between pediatric dental visits, you can take care of your baby’s developing teeth and reduce discomfort by: 

• Gently brushing them twice daily
• Using a child-friendly fluoride toothpaste
• Massaging their gums with a clean finger or washcloth
• Avoiding teething tablets and necklaces
• Providing nutritious, non-sugary snacks
• Never putting your baby to bed with a bottle

As your child grows and develops more teeth, you can teach them to participate in teeth cleaning. Eventually, they’ll learn to spit out toothpaste on their own. One day, they’ll even do the brushing. 

Plan on bringing your baby in for dental visits every six months, which is just as often as adults should. To book your baby’s first visit, call the Hendricks Dental Specialists office at your earliest convenience.