Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around when the first tooth erupts or by 1 year of age. The most important part of the visit will be the conversation you will have with us about the prevention of cavities. Diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride are the 3 important topics we will discuss and we will explain how if you follow some simple rules, you can ensure your child remains cavity free. Another important part of the first visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with us. Frequent, easy, early visits build trust and help put your child at ease during future dental visits should they ever need treatment. Usually the examination of your infant or young child is very quick and performed in your lap to make your child feel comfortable.

Why Primary Teeth Are Important

Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, strong teeth allow children to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth facilitate word pronunciation and a positive self-image. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Many snacks marketed towards children are loaded with the simple sugars that cause cavities. Children who snack on proteins, dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and whole fruits usually have fewer cavities compared to children who snack on crackers, cookies, and cereals that are high in simple carbohydrates. Often, it is the frequency of sugar exposure that increases cavity risk. The children who snack regularly between meals will get more cavities than children who stick to eating at meal times. Additionally, the drinks that children prefer can have a strong impact on their dental health. Children are more likely to remain cavity free if they prefer plain milk and water to the more sugary drinks like juices, sodas, sports drinks, sweet teas, or flavored milks. Providing your child with a “no-spill cup” or “sippy cup” with non-diluted juice in-between meals has the double risk factors of high simple sugar exposure and high frequency of exposure to sugars due to how children sip from this type of cup. Try to limit juices to meal times and dilute the juice significantly with tap water.

Infant Tooth Eruption

Preventing Baby-Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed, without wiping their teeth afterwards. If wiping your infant’s teeth when they are asleep wakes them up, you can instead offer them a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to preventing baby bottle tooth decay, which is why we encourage early dental visits. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.

Contact Us

Recent Posts

Phoenix's Family-Friendly Kids Dentist

Welcome to Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, nestled in the heart of Phoenix, AZ, where we offer a warm, family-oriented approach to dental care for your little ones. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where every child feels at home. We're dedicated to providing gentle, personalized dental care that meets the unique needs […]

Children's Dental Care in Phoenix

At Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing top-notch children's dental care in Phoenix, AZ. Our mission is to create a comfortable and welcoming treatment environment that instills a positive attitude toward oral health from an early age. Smiles from the Moment You Walk-in From the moment your child steps into our […]

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment

You will be surprised how early orthodontic treatment, including teeth straightening, can solve childhood dental problems. Crooked teeth, overcrowding, and tooth decay are some of the issues children face early in life. These days, parents have finally realized the importance of proper dental health. They know how it can affect the kids’ well-being. Teeth straightening…

Toothbrushing Tips for Young Children

Toothbrushing is an essential practice for dental health. Doing it along with flossing can help children set a good dental care routine at an early age. It takes patience to teach your child to do it right until the habit forms. If you want to know more toothbrushing tips you can share with your young…

Caring for a Knocked Out Baby Tooth

A knocked out baby tooth can result from a collision, fall, or game. It can be devastating to see your child come to you with a tooth gap. The first thing to do is stay calm. Caring for the tooth is important for re-implantation. If you want to know how to care for your child’s…

Your Phoenix Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
We can provide continued pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care for children as they grow up.
Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics • AZ Specialty Dental Services, PLLC - Jeffrey Burg, DDS | Hosted by Specialty Dental Brands™

Book Your Appointment Today!

Book Now
menu