Nothing lifts the heart like a baby’s grin. The pediatric dentists at Jet Set Smiles in north Phoenix are all committed to ensuring that those grins are both cute and healthy. That’s why we join the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in recommending infants visit the dentist when their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.
At birth, an infant’s baby (primary) teeth are partly formed in the gums, and typically begin coming in (erupting) between six and twelve months of age. By age three, most children have twenty baby teeth. Baby teeth play an important role in proper chewing and speaking. They also serve as placeholders for the adult (permanent) teeth that will come in throughout childhood and early adulthood.
Tooth decay can occur as soon as the first tooth erupts; it’s most commonly caused by frequent, long-term exposure to sugary drinks, including milk and formula. Tooth decay in baby teeth can increase the risk of decay in permanent teeth. To help prevent decay, don’t put your child to bed with a bottle and begin regular oral hygiene at birth.
Early establishment of a “dental home” for your children sets them up for a lifetime of healthy oral health habits, including regular visits to the dentist. At Jet Set Smiles in north Phoenix, our goal is to make sure those cute baby grins turn into healthy, happy smiles for childhood and beyond.