The recommends that all children see a dentist for an infant oral health exam as soon as their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. It’s with these initial visits that our Hudsonville, MI, pediatric dentists can help you better understand important developmental milestones for your child while also going over ways to manage their smile as they grow.
Here’s an overview of and what normally occurs when one is performed.
Why Infant Oral Health Exams Matter
Infant oral health exams are crucial early assessments conducted to ensure the proper development and health of a young child’s mouth. During the straightforward exam, we’ll check for early signs of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other abnormalities. We’ll also provide parents with guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and the prevention of dental injuries.
Learn More → 4 Priorities of an Infant Oral Health Exam
The importance of these exams lies in their preventive nature. Early detection of potential problems allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of more severe dental issues in the future. Establishing a dental home for your baby also promotes a positive relationship with dental care, encouraging lifelong oral health habits. Just like with adults, regular exams help ensure that children maintain healthy teeth and gums, which are essential for overall health, proper speech development, and a confident smile.
What to Expect at Your Infant’s First Oral Exam
Crying Is Normal
We try to keep your baby’s oral health exam in our Hudsonville, MI, dental office as short as possible. Still, short appointments don’t always guarantee happy babies, no matter how quickly we work!
Don’t be alarmed if your child fusses during their time with our dentists. It’s normal for babies to feel overstimulated when confronted with new places, people, and things. If anything, crying gives our team the chance to look inside your baby’s mouth and assess the health of their gums and erupting teeth.
If you’re worried about your baby crying, remember that a pediatric dental exam like this doesn’t hurt your child in any way. It’s all about observation and evaluation. We encourage all parents and guardians to be strong for children and set a good example so they can start life right with a healthy mouth.
Knee-to-Knee Set-up
During the baby oral health exam, we do everything we can to help your child feel comfortable and safe. For this reason, one of our pediatric dentists will sit knee-to-knee with you while your child lays in your lap. We examine very young patients in this way when they are too small for the dental chair and to help babies feel more at ease with Mom or Dad close.
To help you visualize how the exam will go, you’ll sit facing one of our with your knees touching theirs. We’ll then ask you to position your child on your lap so they’re facing you with their legs wrapped around your waist. You’ll then lay your child’s head on the dentist’s lap.
Safe, Gentle Examination
During your child’s first dentist appointment, we’ll gently inspect your child’s mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mirror. We ask that you hold your child’s hands over their tummy to soothe them and make sure they hold still during the dental exam.
Our pediatric dentists will make sure everything looks okay and answer any questions you might have during this time. Your cooperation is absolutely vital for ensuring your infant has a safe oral health exam.
Schedule Your Child’s First Appointment
Our pediatric dentists in Hudsonville, MI, can help your baby start their oral health journey on the right foot with an infant oral health exam. To schedule an appointment with Hudsonville Dental Kids, call (616) 209-4039.