Infant Exam

While babies do not have many teeth, it is important they see a dentist within six months of the first tooth coming into the mouth or by their first birthday. As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy and developing properly. By establishing a dental home at an early age, you will assist your child in developing good dental habits and will build a solid foundation for a positive dental outlook throughout life.

As pediatric dentists, we are the “pediatricians of the mouth” and have received at least two years of additional training to provide specialized care for each child. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry, we are happy to offer a complimentary infant exam for children 18 months and under. Our office is committed to doing all that we can to educate parents on dental health and familiarize your child with the dentist’s office.

You can always expect quality care and customized recommendations and treatment designed as though we were caring for own family.

COMPLIMENTARY VISIT FOR NEW PATIENTS AGED EIGHTEEN MONTHS & YOUNGER

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends an initial dental visit within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth or by the child’s first birthday. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to helping families establish good oral health habits at an early age and offer a complimentary visit for children aged eighteen months and younger. During an infant exam, we typically use a “knee-to-knee” approach with the assistance of the parent or caregiver. This enables parents and caregivers to hold their children securely in their laps while allowing for a thorough examination. In addition to looking for any pathology and early signs of caries (cavities), we assess for the appropriate eruption and positioning of teeth and check for the presence of tethered oral tissues (tongue and lip ties). We consider it an honor and privilege to be your “baby dentist.”

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A CHILD GO TO THE DENTIST?

In most cases, it is advised that children should be seen every six months for a preventive care appointment. This frequency enables your child to become more familiar with and comfortable in the dental setting, and routine visits build rapport and trust. Additionally, did you know that cavities progress more quickly in baby teeth than they do in adult teeth? Baby teeth have thinner enamel, so it is important to catch early signs of cavities before they become problematic. At each visit, your pediatric dentist will discuss ways in which you may work to prevent cavities in your children. Finally, as you know, children grow and change quickly! Pediatric dentists have received additional training in managing growth and development and may recommend early orthodontic interventions to minimize extensive orthodontic needs in the future.