A healthy smile starts earlier than most parents think. At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, Dr. Nikki Shafiei helps families build strong oral health habits from the very beginning, starting with your baby’s first tooth. Early dental care supports healthy development, reduces the risk of tooth decay, and helps your child feel comfortable at the dentist as they grow.
When Should My Baby Have Their First Dental Visit?
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, or by their first birthday. These early visits are important because they allow our pediatric dental team to:
- Check that teeth and gums are developing properly
- Look for early signs of cavities or enamel concerns
- Teach parents how to care for baby teeth at home
- Answer questions about feeding, pacifiers, and thumb sucking
Starting early helps set the foundation for lifelong dental health.
How Can I Help My Baby Build Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits?
Babies and toddlers learn by watching you. One of the best ways to support early oral health is to make brushing a regular part of the daily routine.
To encourage good habits at home:
- Begin gently cleaning gums even before teeth erupt
- Brush baby teeth twice a day with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush
- Use a small smear of kid-safe toothpaste (as recommended by your dentist)
- Make brushing fun with songs, routines, and positive reinforcement
The goal is to establish a healthy routine early, before dental problems begin.
What Should I Know About Teething and Teeth Grinding?
Teething usually begins around 6 months and can continue until about age 2. During this stage, babies may experience gum soreness, drooling, and irritability.
To help ease teething discomfort:
- Use a cool teething ring
- Gently massage gums with a clean finger
- Keep the area clean to prevent irritation
Some children also grind their teeth, especially during sleep. In many cases, teeth grinding is temporary and improves as your child grows and permanent teeth come in. If grinding continues or becomes severe, we can evaluate whether treatment is needed to protect developing teeth.
Partnering With Parents From the Very First Tooth
At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we’re here to support you with gentle guidance, education, and pediatric-focused care from infancy through childhood. Whether your baby is teething, starting to brush, or getting ready for their first visit, our team is ready to help your child develop a healthy smile and positive dental experience from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have additional questions when it comes to their baby’s dental health. Below are answers to topics we commonly discuss with families during early visits.
Are Baby Teeth Really That Important If They Fall Out Anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth help with proper chewing, speech development, and spacing for permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth support overall growth and development.
Can Cavities Form Even If My Baby Doesn’t Eat Sugar?
Yes. Cavities can form from natural sugars in milk, formula, and juice, especially if teeth are exposed frequently or overnight without cleaning.
Is It Normal for My Baby to Cry During Dental Visits?
It can be. New environments are unfamiliar to babies, but early visits help normalize dental care and usually become easier over time.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay Before My Child Can Brush Independently?
Consistent cleaning, limiting sugary drinks, avoiding bedtime bottles, and regular dental checkups all play an important role in prevention.
When Should I Stop Using a Bottle or Sippy Cup?
Most children should transition away from bottles around age one. Prolonged use can increase cavity risk and affect tooth alignment.
