The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your baby's first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. At Kids Tooth Team Michigan, we make that first visit warm, gentle, and completely stress-free for both your little one and you.
Infant dentistry is pediatric dental care specifically designed for babies and toddlers in their earliest years of development. The goal is not just to clean tiny teeth but to establish a dental home, catch any developmental concerns early, and give parents the guidance they need to protect their child's smile from day one. Starting early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and positive dental experiences.
Even before all of a baby's teeth have appeared, we can identify early signs of decay, structural concerns, or developmental issues that are far easier to address when caught early. Small problems become bigger ones when left undetected.
The first visit establishes our office as your child's dental home. A familiar team that knows your child's history is one of the most effective tools against dental anxiety as they grow.
Your baby's first dental visit is as much for you as for them. We walk you through at-home care, feeding habits, teething, and oral development so you leave feeling fully equipped.
Even before all of a baby's teeth have appeared, we can identify early signs of decay, structural concerns, or developmental issues that are far easier to address when caught early. Small problems become bigger ones when left undetected.
The first visit establishes our office as your child's dental home. A familiar team that knows your child's history is one of the most effective tools against dental anxiety as they grow.
Your baby's first dental visit is as much for you as for them. We walk you through at-home care, feeding habits, teething, and oral development so you leave feeling fully equipped.
For infants and very young toddlers, we use a knee-to-knee exam. You and the dentist sit facing each other, and your baby rests in your lap with their head gently reclined into the dentist's lap. Your baby stays in your arms throughout the entire exam, which is exactly where they feel safest.
During the exam, the dentist gently cleans your baby's teeth and gums, checks for any early signs of decay, and evaluates jaw development, gum health, and any emerging teeth.
After the exam, we sit down to discuss our findings, answer every question you have, and give you personalized guidance on caring for your baby's mouth at home. No question is too small.
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Gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth after each feeding. This removes milk residue and bacteria before teeth even appear.
Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently twice a day, once in the morning and once at night after the final feeding.
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Prolonged contact between sugary liquids and your baby's teeth during sleep is one of the leading causes of early childhood tooth decay. Water is always the safest choice between feedings.
Never apply over-the-counter numbing gels or teething products to your baby's gums. These are not recommended by pediatric dentists or pediatricians and can be harmful to infants. Amber teething necklaces also pose a choking and strangulation risk and should be avoided entirely.
Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger, a cool damp washcloth, or a cold spoon. Soft silicone teething rings also help by giving babies something to bite down on and relieve pressure.
Most babies begin teething around six months of age. Common signs include irritability, disrupted sleep, swollen or inflamed gums, excessive drooling, and a rash around the mouth. Teething does not cause fever, so a temperature warrants a separate conversation with your pediatrician.
Early childhood tooth decay develops when a baby's teeth are in prolonged contact with sugary liquids including milk, formula, and juice. It is more common than most parents expect and entirely preventable with the right habits. We will walk you through how to minimize risk at your first visit.
Sucking is a natural reflex for babies and is completely normal in infancy. Most children give it up on their own before it becomes a concern. If the habit continues past age 3 or 4, it can begin to affect tooth alignment and jaw development. We monitor this at every visit.
Some babies are born with a tight band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip that can interfere with feeding, latching, or later speech development. Our doctors evaluate tongue and lip ties carefully and take a conservative, case-by-case approach before ever recommending treatment. Not every tie requires intervention. Consultations are always complimentary.
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Book your baby's first appointment by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.
You hold your baby throughout the gentle exam while the dentist cleans their teeth and gums and assesses their oral development.
We review our findings with you, answer your questions, and send you home with everything you need to care for your baby's smile between visits.
Give us a call to chat with one of our friendly team members!
By age 1 or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and it gives us the best opportunity to catch any concerns early and set your baby up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Yes. Even two teeth can develop decay, and the first visit is as much about educating parents and establishing a foundation as it is about cleaning teeth. The earlier we start, the better.
Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently twice a day. We will demonstrate proper technique at your appointment.
Yes, in the correct amount. For children under age 3, a rice-grain sized smear is appropriate. For ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Fluoride is safe and effective at protecting developing teeth from decay.
Gently rub the gums with a clean finger, a cool damp cloth, or a chilled silicone teething ring. Avoid numbing gels and teething products, which are not safe for infants.
Every six months. Some infants with specific concerns may be seen more frequently, and we will let you know if that applies to your child.
Give us a call to chat with one of our friendly team members!