Do Babies Need to See a Dentist If They Only Have One Tooth?

A common question among parents is when to take your child to the dentist for the first time. According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have a dental checkup by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Infants typically begin teething between the ages of 6-12 months, and may have multiple teeth by their first birthday. 

However, it is important to understand that developmental milestones vary for children, and some may not have many teeth by the age of one, if they have any at all. This often prompts the question: do babies need to see a dentist if they only have one tooth? 

The answer is yes, according to pediatric dentists. From the time a tooth is visible above the gums it is susceptible to decay, and oral health encompasses more than just teeth. The gums and soft tissues of the mouth should also be assessed for any health concerns. 

Read on to learn more about the importance and timing of early dental care. 

Why Early Dental Visits Matter 

Primary teeth, better known as baby teeth, are eventually shed to make room for the permanent teeth. For this reason it is a common misconception that these teeth are not important and don’t require professional care. This could not be farther from the truth. 

Baby teeth play a crucial role in many aspects of development, including:

• Chewing. For children to develop proper chewing capabilities, baby teeth are essential. Permanent teeth don’t begin to come in until the age of 6 or 7, so children rely on their primary teeth for many years in order to get proper nutrition. 
• Speech. Baby teeth are important for proper speech development. The tongue, lips, and jaw provide the necessary support to correctly form sounds and eventually words. 
• Guiding permanent teeth. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth, helping to guide them into the proper position as they erupt. 

Early dental visits allow for detection of oral health concerns, such as decay, gum disease, and signs of feeding issues. When caught early, treatment is simpler and prevention of more serious problems is possible. By establishing a dental care routine from an early age, children are more likely to experience a lifetime of oral health. 

What to Expect at Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

The first dental appointment is more of a meet and greet to introduce your baby to the experience of visiting the dentist. It will entail the following: 

• A gentle exam and cleaning. An oral health evaluation will be conducted to assess gum health, tooth development, and growth. A brief cleaning of teeth will take place according to need and level of comfort. 
• Oral health guidance for parents. Your dentist will make recommendations for oral care at home and if any further treatment is necessary. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. 

The goal of early dental care is to establish a positive association with dental visits to prevent the development of fear and anxiety. Your baby’s comfort is our top priority. 

Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth at Home 

Daily care at home is crucial to your baby’s oral health. Here are some suggestions:

• Clean your baby’s gums twice a day after feedings using a clean cloth or a soft bristled infant toothbrush. This removes food residue and bacteria that can cause infection. 
• After the eruption of the first tooth, use an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of infant toothpaste with fluoride to brush any visible teeth twice a day. 
• Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as these increase bacteria levels in the mouth that can lead to decay and gum disease. 
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle or cup, as the residue will remain on their teeth and gums overnight and increase the risk of decay and gum disease. 

When to Schedule the First Visit

As mentioned above, the first dental visit should be scheduled around your baby’s first birthday or within 6 months of the appearance of the first tooth. Choose a pediatric dentist who has experience with infants, as the first visit sets the tone for how your child will feel about going to the dentist. 

Contact us at Kids & Teens Dental Place to schedule your child’s dental visit today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry

How early is too early to take my baby to the dentist?

The earlier you begin dental care, the easier it is for your child. When babies are introduced to the experience from infancy, they are less likely to develop fear and anxiety related to dental visits. We will help you determine the right time to schedule the first appointment. 

What if my child has no teeth by their first birthday? 

There is no reason to be concerned if your child does not have any visible teeth by their first birthday. Children develop at different rates and the timeline for tooth eruption is not always the same for everyone. Still schedule their first appointment around age one and we can provide an evaluation to determine if there are concerns that need to be addressed. 

Kids & Teens Dental Place provides a safe and fun atmosphere where children feel comfortable and look forward to dental visits. We believe in the importance of early dental care, seeing patients beginning in infancy and supporting their oral health throughout their teenage years. To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.