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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents schedule an initial “well-baby” appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the emergence of the first tooth, or no later than the child’s first birthday.

This early start is crucial, as the incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising. Untreated tooth decay and early cavities can cause significant pain and lead to long-term oral health problems.

The Importance of Early Pediatric Dental Care

Your pediatric dentist is more than just a tooth doctor; they are specialists in child psychology and behavior, serving as a vital resource for information and guidance. During these early visits, your Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines pediatric dentist can:

• Implement Preventive Strategies: Help parents establish a robust preventative strategy to protect emerging teeth from harm and demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed effectively.
• Address Oral Habits: Provide strategies for eliminating unwanted oral habits, such as pacifier use and thumb sucking.
• Establish Daily Oral Routines: Assist parents in creating a sound daily oral routine for the child.
• Assess Oral Development: Beyond routine care, our pediatric dentist can assess for and address conditions like tongue and lip ties, offering gentle tongue tie release procedures when necessary, and guiding families through myofunctional therapy to support proper oral development, breathing, and speech.

Potential Dental Problems Babies Can Experience

A baby is at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges. During the first dental visit, our pediatric dentist will discuss these risks and how to mitigate them.

Early childhood caries (ECC), commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay, is a significant concern. Infants and toddlers who frequently drink breast milk, juice, baby formula, soda, or sweetened water from a baby bottle or sippy cup are at high risk. The sugars in these liquids can pool around the teeth, leading to rapid cavity development.

To counteract this threat, your pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines advises parents to:

• Avoid filling cups with sugary fluids.
• Never dip pacifiers in honey or other sweet substances.
• Prevent the transmission of oral bacteria to the child via shared spoons or by cleaning pacifiers in their own mouths.

Schedule with the Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch

If you have further questions or concerns about the timing or nature of your child’s first oral checkup, please reach out to Sierk Children's Dentistry. Schedule your child's first dental visit online. We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.