Free Infant Exams for Babies Under 12 Months: A Commitment to Early Oral Health and Lifelong Wellness
At Pediatric Dentistry of Lebanon, our commitment to pediatric dental health is deeply rooted in a holistic approach to early childhood wellness. We believe that the foundation for a lifetime of oral health begins as early as infancy and that timely preventive care can significantly influence a child’s overall health and development. As pediatric specialists, we are passionate about fostering environments where parents feel informed, supported, and equipped to prioritize their child’s dental well-being from the very beginning.
For this reason, we proudly offer complimentary dental exams for infants under 12 months, underscoring our dedication to removing barriers to essential health education and preventive screenings within our community. These early exams, which should ideally occur by a child’s first birthday, are critical in laying the groundwork for good oral health habits and in preventing potential dental issues that could become more complex if left unaddressed.
Why See a Pediatric Dentist by Age One?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one, recognizing that the first year of life is a critical period for establishing oral health. During this time, a pediatric dentist can detect any early signs of dental decay, anomalies in oral development, or other health concerns that, if identified and managed promptly, can help prevent more serious issues in the future. Early visits also provide an opportunity for parents to gain professional insights on topics such as infant tooth eruption, the importance of healthy feeding habits, and strategies for soothing teething pain.
In our infant exams, our team at Pediatric Dentistry of Lebanon adopts a comprehensive, preventive approach, carefully evaluating the child’s oral cavity to detect any potential concerns. These exams are designed to be educational for parents, offering guidance on optimal home care practices that will support their child’s health and growth. As pediatric specialists, we are uniquely trained to assess oral health in even the youngest patients, considering the nuances of infant oral anatomy and development.
Removing Barriers to Access in Our Community
We recognize that financial obstacles can often prevent families from seeking early dental care, and we are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier for parents who want to prioritize their child’s oral health. By offering these exams at no cost, we hope to support our community’s families by making dental care more accessible and by emphasizing the importance of preventive health care from infancy. It is our goal to empower parents with the knowledge they need to be proactive in their child’s dental care, fostering a partnership that we hope will continue as their children grow.
Building Lifelong Health Through Early Intervention
A child’s first dental visit is a powerful first step toward lifelong health. Our team of skilled, compassionate pediatric dental specialists is here to help parents lay a solid foundation for a future filled with healthy smiles. If you have a child under the age of 12 months, we invite you to schedule a free infant exam with Pediatric Dentistry of Lebanon. Let us partner with you to ensure your child’s dental health is nurtured from the very beginning, removing any obstacles that might stand in the way of excellent, accessible care. Together, we can create a path for healthy, happy smiles for years to come.
Prenatal & Infant Oral Health
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.
Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria:
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque.
- Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages and foods high in sugar & starch.
- Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA and rinse every night with an alcohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse with .05 % sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels.
- Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children.
- Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day by the mother) can decrease a child’s caries rate.
Your Child's First Dental Visit: Establishing A "Dental Home"
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.
You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and they usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)
One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks.
After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.
Sippy cups should be used as a training tool from the bottle to a cup and should be discontinued by the first birthday. If your child uses a sippy cup throughout the day, fill the sippy cup with water only (except at mealtimes). By filling the sippy cup with liquids that contain sugar (including milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc.) and allowing a child to drink from it throughout the day, it soaks the child’s teeth in cavity-causing bacteria.