Starting dental visits early isn't just about oral health—it's about setting your child up for a lifetime of positive dental experiences. When your little one visits Kids Tooth Team from infancy, they're doing more than just getting their gums checked. They're embarking on a journey that will shape their attitude towards dental care for years to come.
Believe it or not, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that babies visit the dentist by their first birthday or within 3 months of their first tooth's appearance. While it may seem unusual to bring a toothless infant to the dentist, these early visits are crucial for your child's long-term oral health.
At Kids Tooth Team, our Buda pediatric dentists specialize in gentle, age-appropriate care for your little ones. During your infant's visit, we conduct a "lap exam." You'll hold your baby on your lap while one of our pediatric dentists gently cleans their gums and any emerging teeth, and assesses their oral development.
After the exam, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your child's oral health with their dentist. This is your chance to ask questions about teething, oral care routines, or any concerns you may have. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to nurture your child's healthy smile from day one.
Around 6 months of age, most babies start teething, though some may take a bit longer. Keep an eye out for common teething signs: fussiness, sleep disturbances, swollen or inflamed gums, excessive drooling, and a rash around the mouth.
While teething is a natural process that doesn't require special treatment, there are simple ways to comfort your little one if they're particularly cranky. Try gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or a cold, damp washcloth. You can also use the back of a chilled spoon to provide soothing pressure on their gums.
Another tried-and-true solution is a teething ring, typically made of soft, chewable silicone. These allow your baby to bite down and apply pressure to their emerging teeth and tender gums, offering natural relief from teething discomfort. Remember, every child teethes differently, so what works best may vary from baby to baby.
When your child doesn’t have any teeth, you should wipe their gums with a clean washcloth after they feed. Once your child gets their first tooth, you should clean it with a grain-of-rice-sized dab of toothpaste on a soft-bristled baby toothbrush, and continue to do so as their other teeth emerge.
You should brush your infant’s teeth and gums at least twice per day, ideally once in the morning and once at night after their final feeding. This is the best way to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Maintaining proper at-home oral care, feeding your infant a healthy diet, and visiting one of our dentists for a six-month teeth cleaning and oral exam will help you avoid common issues like tooth decay and plaque buildup. Follow the doctor's instructions for caring for your child’s mouth and be consistent with their oral care as they grow.
It’s completely normal for infants to resist tooth brushing—after all, it’s a new and sometimes uncomfortable experience for them. The key is to create a routine that feels fun, predictable, and connected to positive emotions. Start by choosing a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled and colorful, specifically designed for infants. Many babies enjoy having some autonomy, so let them hold the toothbrush and explore it before or after you do the actual brushing.
You can also turn brushing into a game or sensory experience. Sing a favorite song, play a short brushing video, or tell a silly story while brushing. If your child responds to music, there are even apps and playlists made just for brushing teeth! Try holding your infant in your lap, with their head supported in the crook of your arm—this makes them feel secure and allows you to see their mouth clearly.
It also helps to model the behavior. Brushing your own teeth alongside your child shows them that this is a normal daily habit. Use simple language to explain what you're doing, like “We’re brushing away the sugar bugs!” Over time, these routines become familiar and comforting.
If your baby continues to resist, don’t force it or create a stressful environment. Instead, try brushing at a different time of day when your child is more relaxed—some little ones do better after a nap or bath. And remember: even a quick swipe with a toothbrush or cloth is better than nothing. Consistency and a calm, gentle approach will help your child grow into the habit with less resistance over time.
Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, is one of the most common preventable dental conditions in infants and toddlers. It typically occurs when a baby’s teeth are exposed frequently or for extended periods to sugary drinks like milk, formula, or juice. When these liquids pool around the teeth—especially during sleep—harmful bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and produce acids that wear down the enamel.
To prevent this, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle unless it contains only water. If your child is used to falling asleep while feeding, try to gradually wean them off that habit by offering the bottle earlier in the bedtime routine or transitioning to a comfort item like a blanket or pacifier.
Throughout the day, encourage your baby to drink from an open cup or a straw cup, especially as they approach 12 months of age. Limiting sugary drinks is another essential step—not just for dental health, but overall wellness. If your baby does consume juice or milk outside of mealtimes, offer a sip of water afterward to help rinse the sugars from their teeth.
Oral hygiene should also start early. Even before teeth appear, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once that first tooth erupts, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and begin brushing twice daily with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
And don’t forget the importance of early dental visits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental appointment by their first birthday—or sooner if the first tooth comes in earlier. At Kids Tooth Team, Dr. Alex and our team will not only examine your baby’s oral health but also provide you with practical, personalized tips for preventing cavities and establishing lifelong healthy habits.
It can be alarming to see blood when you’re brushing your baby’s teeth or gums, but a small amount of bleeding—especially during teething—is usually not a cause for concern. Teething causes inflammation and tenderness in the gums, and this sensitivity can lead to minor bleeding, particularly if the gums are rubbed or brushed a little too firmly.
To reduce discomfort and minimize bleeding, always use a toothbrush designed for infants, with ultra-soft bristles. Be gentle and avoid brushing directly over swollen or erupting gums when they’re especially sensitive. You can also soothe their gums beforehand by giving your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething toy, a silicone teether, or even a cold, clean wet washcloth to gnaw on. Afterward, brushing may be more comfortable for them.
You can also gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or gauze pad before or after brushing to increase circulation and ease discomfort. This can be particularly helpful during those tough teething periods when multiple teeth are coming in at once.
However, if you notice ongoing or heavy bleeding, gums that look very red or swollen, or if your baby shows signs of significant pain or refuses to eat, it’s a good idea to check in with a pediatric dentist. These may be signs of an underlying issue, such as gum irritation from bacteria buildup or a minor injury from chewing on something hard.
At Kids Tooth Team, Dr. Alex is experienced in navigating the teething process with both parents and infants. We’re here to offer support and peace of mind so that you can feel confident in your child’s oral care—even during the more challenging phases.
Fluoride is a powerful tool in preventing cavities, even in baby teeth, but many parents are unsure of when and how to introduce it. The good news is, you can begin using fluoride toothpaste as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. At this early stage, use just a smear—about the size of a grain of rice. This tiny amount is safe even if swallowed and provides just enough fluoride to help protect those brand-new teeth from decay.
You should continue brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day with this small amount of toothpaste, ideally in the morning and before bed. Choose a fluoride toothpaste that’s designed for children and has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which ensures it’s safe and effective.
As your child grows, around age 3, and learns how to spit properly, you can increase the amount to a pea-sized dab. It’s important to supervise brushing until your child is around 6 to make sure they’re not using too much toothpaste or swallowing it. Fluoride can be harmful in large quantities, but when used properly, it’s incredibly beneficial in protecting against decay and strengthening enamel.
If you live in an area without fluoridated tap water or have questions about how much fluoride your child is getting from other sources, Dr. Alex can help you make informed choices. Some children may benefit from additional fluoride treatments during dental visits, especially if they’re at higher risk for cavities.
At Kids Tooth Team, we’re here to help you feel confident in every aspect of your baby’s dental care—fluoride use included. From the very first tooth through the toddler years and beyond, we’ll guide you through each stage with personalized care and evidence-based recommendations that support a healthy, happy smile.
Proudly serving patients in Buda and the surrounding communities.
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