It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s dental care. A child’s teeth begin forming before birth, and their first primary tooth can push through the gums as early as four months of age.
At Dr. George P. Cerniglia, General, General, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, we offer comprehensive early dental care in Metairie, LA. Whether you’re looking to schedule a toddler’s first dental visit or are interested in baby teeth cleaning services, we provide professional, gentle, and compassionate dental care for your little one.
All About Early Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers
Dental care becomes important from the moment an infant’s first baby tooth comes in, which can happen between ages four months and 12 months. Babies and children are just as susceptible to cavities as adults. How children care for their teeth can shape their future oral hygiene habits and impact how their adult teeth develop.
Scheduling pediatric dental check-ups and understanding children’s cavity prevention can help you set your child up for a lifetime of excellent oral health. Our dedicated dental team is here to help you and your child understand the importance of dental care for kids and reduce any fears or anxieties about going to the dentist.
The Role of Primary Teeth in Oral Health
The primary or “baby” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly or speak clearly. Primary teeth are vital to the development of the jaws
and to guide the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age six.
Our early dental care in Metairie, LA, focuses on helping children take the best care of their primary teeth. This involves providing oral hygiene tips for toddlers and their families and performing preventive dental care for children.
Let our team know if you notice your child missing any primary teeth. We may need to place a space maintainer between the teeth to hold the natural space open until the permanent teeth come in.
Preventing Baby Bottle Decay in Infants
We commonly see baby bottle decay in infants and toddlers who fall asleep with a bottle. A bottle containing anything other than water left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping can cause “baby bottle decay.” The sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel.
Acids attack the enamel for about 20 minutes after consuming the sugary food. When a child is awake, saliva carries away the liquid. When they are asleep, saliva flow decreases significantly, causing the acids to linger and continually attack the teeth.
Monitor your baby’s teeth closely for signs of baby bottle decay. If you have concerns, bring them in for early dental care in Metairie, LA. We can often reduce the decay through infant dental cleaning.
When To Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
The best age for a child’s first dental visit is around their first birthday. While this may feel early, especially if your baby has not developed many teeth yet, it can help them become comfortable with the dentist.
At Dr. George P. Cerniglia, General, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, we provide gentle dental care for kids and toddlers. We want little ones to form a positive association with going to the dentist. We encourage parents to hold their children in their laps in the exam room and discuss any fears or anxieties so we can help quell them.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment in Our Child-Friendly Dental Office
Our caring dental team understands the importance of cavity prevention in children. We provide early dental care in Metairie, LA, starting as soon as a child’s first baby tooth comes in. Schedule your child’s first dental visit or a routine pediatric cleaning today. Call Dr. George P. Cerniglia, General, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry (504) 454-5880 to book your appointment or ask any questions about infant, toddler, or child dental care.