New year, new routine: Babies first dentist appointment
Isn’t "New Year, New You" the phrase we hear every January? It’s the season of wellness tips, workout routines, and a fresh start. Maybe it was all the positive propaganda, but we decided this would also be a perfect time to reboot some habits and routines—for our 1.5-year-old!
First stop: the dentist!
Most pediatricians recommend taking your baby or toddler to the dentist for their first cleaning and check-up around the 12-month mark. Since this visit would be out-of-pocket for us, we decided to wait until we felt our little guy might be ready for the experience. After all, he rarely lets us brush his teeth without a battle. The thought of putting him in the “crucifix position” in a public setting—just to keep him still—didn’t exactly thrill me.
The truth is, our tooth-brushing routine is… memorable. We had friends over recently, and after witnessing the nightly tooth-brushing chaos, I couldn’t tell if they were impressed, terrified, or just questioning their own future as parents. Whatever their reaction, it’s a sight to behold!
Teeth, Teething, and Tough Times
Our son got a lot of his teeth early and fast, and teething hit him hard. He now has 16 teeth—eight on the top and eight on the bottom. We’re just waiting on those pesky molars, which no one is looking forward to.
The Dentist Visit: A Pleasant Surprise
We finally made an appointment at a pediatric dentist recommended by our pediatrician. The office, a charming place called Bitesize in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, charged $275 for the visit. Given the cost, I was nervous about whether it would even be worth it.
To my surprise, the experience turned out to be… dare I say, fun! The office had a TV on the ceiling playing an episode of Cocomelon, which completely mesmerized our son who doesn’t get much tv time. I laid down on the dentist chair with him on top of me, which kept him calm and comforted. Watching his little mouth open wide as the hygienist coaxed him to say “Awwww” was beyond adorable.
What We Learned
The good news: his teeth are in great shape! The hygienist gave us some tips to keep them that way:
Say goodbye to the pacifier asap (literally ordered a pacifier weening kit online that day)
No more bottles (we are guilty of still giving him one at night occasionally because honestly it’s super easy and spills less milk that a sippy cup on our dark blue velvet couch)
Brush closer to the gum line (the alligator roll has us giving up a little too early)
Start flossing (yes, flossing!).
We’re aiming to build lifelong healthy habits. The dentist suggested starting with flossing once or twice a week and gradually increasing. Teaching him to spit is next on the agenda— wish us luck!
Questions Answered.
Taking care of your baby’s teeth can feel like a journey into the unknown. When should you start? What tools do you need? Is bottle rot actually real? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with data-backed answers to all your burning questions about baby dental care.
When Do You Start to Brush Babies' Teeth? As soon as that first tooth pokes through (usually around 6 months), it’s time to start brushing (AAPD Recommendations). Even before teeth come in, clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth to remove bacteria.
What Toothbrush Should You Use? Start with a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush. Look for options labeled for ages 0-2, and make sure the bristles are gentle to avoid irritating sensitive gums.
When Can They Use an Adult Toothbrush? Children can graduate to a child-sized toothbrush with a larger handle and more bristles around age 3. Wait until age 8-10 for a standard adult toothbrush, when their manual dexterity improves (ADA Guidelines).
What Toothpaste Should They Start With? Begin with a non-fluoride toothpaste specifically designed for infants and toddlers. Use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) until they’re able to spit out excess paste (CDC Recommendations).
When Do You Transition to Fluoride Toothpaste? Switch to a fluoride toothpaste when your child turns 3. At this age, use a pea-sized amount and ensure they spit it out after brushing to avoid ingesting too much fluoride, which can cause fluorosis (AAPD Fluoride Guidelines).
When Can They Understand How to Spit Out Toothpaste? Most kids grasp the concept of spitting toothpaste around age 3 or 4. Practice with water before introducing fluoride toothpaste to make the transition smoother (Healthline Guide).
When Do Babies' Teeth Start Coming In? The first tooth typically appears between 4 and 7 months, but timing can vary. By age 3, most kids have a full set of 20 baby teeth (Mayo Clinic).
When Should All Their Teeth Be In? All 20 primary teeth usually erupt by the time your child is 2.5 to 3 years old (American Dental Association).
Do Some Babies Have a Harder Time With Teething? Why? Yes! Teething pain varies due to factors like gum sensitivity, genetics, and the size of the erupting tooth. Some babies show mild discomfort, while others may experience significant fussiness, drooling, and trouble sleeping (Cleveland Clinic).
Are Pacifiers Bad for Babies' Teeth? When Should They Stop Using Them? Pacifiers can soothe babies, but prolonged use may affect oral development, leading to misaligned teeth or bite issues. Aim to wean your child off the pacifier by age 2 to avoid long-term effects (AAPD Recommendations).
When Should You Stop Using a Bottle With Your Baby? Is Baby Bottle Rot a Thing? Yes, baby bottle tooth decay (bottle rot) is real! Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like milk or juice can lead to cavities. Transition to a cup by 12-18 months to reduce the risk (ADA on Baby Bottle Tooth Decay).
Are Sippy Cups and Straw Cups Okay for Babies' Teeth? Straw cups are generally better than sippy cups for dental health. Extended use of sippy cups can encourage prolonged sucking, which may affect oral development. Use open or straw cups as much as possible (AAPD Recommendations).
If My Baby's Teeth Are Crooked, Will Their Adult Teeth Also Be Crooked? Not necessarily. Baby teeth act as placeholders, and crooked primary teeth don’t always predict crooked permanent teeth. However, issues like thumb-sucking or genetics can affect alignment, so consult a pediatric dentist if concerned (AAPD FAQs).
Can Babies Get Cavities? What Do You Do If They Get One? Yes, cavities in baby teeth are possible. If your baby develops a cavity, visit a pediatric dentist promptly. Treatment may involve fillings or crowns to prevent pain, infection, or damage to permanent teeth (Colgate Guide to Baby Cavities).
Takeaways
This milestone with out song reminded us that even daunting tasks (like a toddler’s first dentist visit) can turn into sweet memories with the right preparation and mindset. Here’s to fresh starts, healthier habits, and embracing all the chaos and cuteness along the way. Happy New Year from our Fresh Diapie crew to yours!
Stay fresh, have a laugh & join the club!
FRESH DIAPIE SOCIAL CLUB
