Infant Oral Care
As pediatric dentists, we probably won’t see your child until they get their first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visits the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth growing in, or, by age 1.
If you child was born with teeth (or they grow in very early - which can happen!), or has difficulty feeding and a frenectomy is indicated, you may visit your pediatric dentist before your child has teeth!
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS TEETHING?
Around 4-5 months of age, if you notice an unexpected change in feeding habits, an increase in chewing on things, drooling, or more fussiness - your child may be teething.
Teething creates a lot of inflammation and can be uncomfortable for your child. This can disrupt sleep patterns and feeding, which can lead to illnesses commonly associating with teething.
For more information, read our blog about “Teething.”
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD’S DIET AT THIS STAGE?
Breast milk and formula will likely be the sole nutrition at this point. As you start to introduce foods around 6 months of age, begin to think about your own diet.
Your child will mimic what you eat. We recommend limiting or removing refined sugared snacks and sugared drinks from your diet. It’s easier to make changes before you child’s diet transitions.