Baby’s First Dentist Visit: When to Go and What to Expect

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Hey mummies (& daddies)! I’m Elissa, a first-time IVF mummy to a lovely 13-month-old toddler girl. Remember that time we thought baby’s first dentist visit wasn’t necessary until our little ones were much older? (Cue sheepish grin!) Well, guess what? Turns out, just like inculcating good sleep habits, reading habits and more, establishing good dental habits starts early too – like really early!

Here’s the thing: I totally missed the memo on this one. My little munchkin was already 13 months old when she finally met a dentist. (Oops!) Interestingly, I’m not alone! After polling my friend groups, I realized most parents haven’t even considered taking their kiddos to the dentist until preschool! But after a visit, I’m convinced early dental care is a game-changer, and here’s why:

• Building a Healthy Habit: We all want our little ones to grow up with healthy, happy smiles. Introducing them to the dentist early, when it’s a positive and playful experience, helps them avoid developing dental anxiety in the future. My little one had a BALL of a time at her first trip (more about it later)
• Prevention is Key: Just like with any health concern, early detection and prevention are crucial when it comes to oral health. A visit to the dentist allows them to identify potential problems early on, when they’re easier to address. The dentist pointed out something I never would have known!
• No More Surprise Ouchies! Let’s face it, a toothache for a little one is no fun for anyone. Regular dental check-ups help avoid unexpected pain and ensure those adorable milk teeth stay healthy and strong. Yes we’ve already scheduled our next one for 6 months later!

So, when should your little one’s first dental adventure begin and what can you expect? Read on to learn more!

When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Dentist Visit?

According to Health Hub Singapore, the recommended period to schedule your baby’s first dental visit is between 6 months and their first birthday. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is even more kiasu, recommending to bring babies to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting.

Even though it may seem early, I think of it as building a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By starting early, you’re not only helping your baby get used to dental check-ups, and also giving your dentist a chance to spot any potential problems early on.

Recommended baby’s first dentist visit is between 6 months and their first birthday!

But what if my baby doesn’t have any teeth yet? You might wonder. Well, even before those pearly whites make an appearance, a dentist can examine your baby’s gums, check for any signs of irritation, and give you valuable advice on oral care.

Now, there are times when an earlier visit might be necessary. Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Teething Troubles: If your little one is experiencing excessive discomfort, white spots on their gums, or difficulty feeding due to teething, a dentist can offer guidance and relief.
• Signs of Tooth Decay: While it’s not common, baby bottle tooth decay can happen. If you notice any white or brown spots on your baby’s teeth, it’s time to consult a dentist.

Remember, early detection is key to preventing bigger problems down the road. So, don’t hesitate to schedule that first dental visit!

Selecting the Right Dentist: Why a Paediatric Dentist?

Now, the next obvious step would be to find the perfect dentist for your little one.

In my opinion, a paediatric dentist is the ideal choice when it comes to your baby’s oral health. Unlike general dentists, paediatric dentists receive specialized training and experience working with children. They understand how to approach little ones in a calm and gentle way, making the experience positive and less intimidating.

Guess how I even learnt about paediatric dentists in the first place? My very expert dentist friend (whom both me and my husband go to for all our dental issues) recommended us one when we asked about our little ones oral health.

Here are some qualities to consider when choosing a paediatric dentist:

• Experience: Look for a dentist with a proven track record of treating young babies and children.
• Communication Style: Choose someone who explains things clearly and patiently, both to you and your little one. Look at reviews to learn more!
• Clinic Ambiance: A welcoming and child-friendly environment can make a big difference! Bright colors, playful decorations, and even toys can help ease any apprehension your little one might have.

Paediatric Dentists in Singapore

While I can’t provide an exhaustive list here (clinics open and close all the time!), here are some paediatric dentists in Singapore on Google:

• National Dental Centre Singapore NDCS’s Infant Oral Health Programme
• Just Kids Paediatric Dental Clinic (Upper East Coast)
• Kid’s Dental World (Mount Elizabeth Novena)
• My First Dentist by Dr Tabitha Chng (Royal Square at Novena)
• My Little Teeth Children’s Dental Clinic (Lucky Plaza)
• Petite Smiles Children’s Dental Clinic (Novena Medical Centre)
• The Kids Dentist (Camden Medical Centre)
• Tooth Town (Beauty World)

Bonus Tip! Don’t hesitate to ask your paediatrician or other mummy friends for recommendations.

Know of more paediatric dentists that you would recommend? Or own a paediatric clinic and would like to be listed here? Drop us an email at hello@mummylist.com to let us know!

What to Expect at Your Baby’s First Dentist Visit

So, you’ve booked the appointment, and now you’re wondering what to expect. Let me share my experience.

In my case, baby’s first dental visit was 80% about education while building a positive experience for baby and 20% dental exam and treatment. Let me breakdown what went down in our 30-ish minutes appointment :

• Get to Know You: The dentist started by chatting with me about baby’s general health, feeding habits, and any concerns you might have. In the meantime baby was happily toddling around the room with the assistant dentist and my helper keeping an eye on her.
• Check Out Those Pearly Whites: She then took a quick look at baby’s mouth, gums, and teeth to check for any signs of decay or development issues. She diagnosed baby with a mild lip-tie in the short observation (thankfully it’s nothing much we have to worry about!). Other than that, baby’s teeth are in tip top condition!
• Fluoride Treatment: Next, she also quickly applied a coat of fluoride treatment to help prevent/slow down tooth decay. There was some screaming here as baby obviously do not like having someone put things in her mouth. We also get that at home when brushing her teeth, so we were not surprised. But it was very quickly over in a few seconds. Baby got a fun toy to play with after and all was good again.
• Dental Hygiene Tips + Q&A: Last but not least, based on her understanding of baby’s daily habits and her current teeth condition, she provided helpful tips on oral hygiene and answered my questions.

Don’t worry if your baby is a little fussy during the exam. Paediatric dentists are used to dealing with wiggly little patients! The goal is to create a positive association with the dentist’s office.

Remember: The first visit is more about building trust and starting a relationship with your dentist. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn about oral care, and get your baby used to the dental environment.

Common Questions About Baby Teeth Addressed By Paediatric Dentist

As with many concerned parents, I had lots of questions about baby’s dental health. Thanks to baby’s first visit to the dentist I was able to get them answered. Here’s sharing some notes (paraphrased and to my best recollection) which I took during the session:

Q: When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

A: Start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before teeth erupt. Once the first tooth appears, you can begin brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush.

Bonus: I have been using a silicon toothbrush, and dentist asked me to switch to soft bristles for better efficacy at cleaning away the dirt on the teeth. So I got these Jack N’ Jill and Pigeon toothbrushes to try out and see what works best for her!

Q: Should I use toothpaste when brushing baby teeth?

A: Usually not necessary until baby has learned to control their urge to swallow toothpaste. Fluoride free toothpaste does not provide the benefit of cavity prevention, so it’s not useful at all. Fluoride toothpaste is usually only recommended when baby learns how to spit, or if they are at high-risk for cavities (to be determined by the dentist).

Thankfully in our case, the dentist determined baby to be low risk for cavities and asked me to continue brushing WITHOUT toothpaste.

Q: What can I do about teething pain?

A: You can offer cold teething rings or a clean, damp washcloth (put in the freezer for extra coolness) to soothe sore gums. Don’t recommend over-the-counter topical pain relievers or oral gel due to components* in them. Health Hub Singapore has the same recommendation to avoid topical teething gels too!

Fun fact: She also told me that teething does not CAUSE fever or diarrhoea in babies. But rather, because babies tend to put their hands in their mouth more often due to teething pains, and as a result introduce more bacteria into their bodies.

*I can’t recall the exact component mentioned. But after googling, it should be due to benzocaine or lidocaine. You can read up about the negative side effects here.

Q: What can I do to prevent tooth decay in my baby?

A: Limit sugary drinks and snacks, wipe your baby’s gums or teeth after feedings, and establish a consistent brushing routine. Regular dental check-ups are also essential.

Glad to know that baby’s current diet is very good for her oral health according to the dentist. She rarely eats snacks, and in very small quantities, and only those with no added sugars. She’s still on a full diet of breastmilk and UHT milk, and lots of water, no juices and any other sugary drinks.

What I Learnt: Tips for Good Oral Health & Hygiene From Young

Last but not least, let me leave you with some other useful tips that I learnt during baby’s first visit to the dentist:

• Make it Fun: Brushing teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. Turn it into a fun game by singing songs or using colourful toothbrushes. For younger kids who struggle, she also suggested lie them down instead of trying to brush while standing up.
• Lead by Example: Kids learn by imitation, so make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly.
• Switch From Bottles to Cups: Recommend to make the switch from nipple feeding bottles to straws and then to open cups to reduce teeth protrusion. Her suggestion to me was to make the switch latest by 18 months.
• Limit Sugary Treats: Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to tooth decay. Offer water as a primary drink and limit sugary snacks and juices.
• Have A Check if There’s Been An Accident: As baby is walking around a lot now and prone to falling down, she also recommended to bring to the dentist to check if baby has any falls / bumps where she injures her teeth or mouth.

A Healthy Start for a Healthy Smile

And there you have it, mummies! A peek into the world of baby teeth and dental care. By booking your baby’s first dentist visit, you’re setting your little one up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. So, let’s make those dental visits a positive experience and watch those pearly whites shine!

Remember: This information is a general guide and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a paediatrician or dentist for any concerns about your child’s oral health.

Happy brushing!

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