Age One Dental Visits

If you have a baby, make sure to schedule their first visit by age one OR six months after their first tooth comes in. Taking your child to the dentist from an early age can reduce anxiety and emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene. Prevention is key! At Little Harpeth Children’s Dentistry™, board-certified pediatric dentist Priya Purohit, DDS, MSD, provides age one dental visits to infants six months and older. To make an appointment for your child, please call the office to schedule directly. 

What is an age one dental visit?

An age one dental visit is a routine checkup that assesses your child’s oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all infants visit the dentist six months after their first baby tooth comes in or  when they turn a year old. 

An age one dental visit presents an opportunity to establish a relationship with Dr. Purohit. You can also ask questions about issues that affect children, such as baby bottle tooth decay, finger sucking, and teething.

What happens during age one dental visits?

At Little Harpeth Children’s Dentistry™, Dr. Purohit tailors age one dental visits to each child’s needs. Typically, that includes these steps:

Step one: An oral exam

During an age one dental visit, Dr. Purohit asks you to hold your baby's hands as she examines. Once they’re comfortable and relaxed, she performs an oral exam.

Dr. Purohit uses a small handheld mirror and a light to carefully assess the health of your child’s gums, tongue, and cheeks. If they have any baby teeth, she examines those as well.

Step two: Gentle teeth cleaning

If your child has one (or more) baby teeth, Dr. Purohit gently cleans them with fluoride-free toothpaste till the first molars erupt. Cleaning your child’s teeth removes plaque, tartar, and stains, reducing the risk of cavities. 

Step three: Answering questions

After cleaning your child’s teeth, Dr. Purohit makes time to answer any questions you have about your child’s oral health. Common concerns include pacifier habits, thumb sucking, and teething. Dr. Purohit can provide tips and insights that reduce the risk of cavities, ensuring your child’s mouth stays healthy.

Step four: Patient and parent education

At the end of your child’s visit, Dr. Purohit explains how to clean and care for their teeth and gums at home. By establishing preventive dental habits at an early age, you can reduce the risk of potential problems in the future. Dietary and nutrional counseling are also given to promote healthy habits.

How can I protect my child’s teeth and gums at home?

You can do several things to protect your child’s teeth and gums at home. Dr. Purohit recommends:

• Cleaning your child’s gums with a clean, wet cloth daily
• Using fluoride-free toothpaste until your child has their first molars; after use a size of grain of rice flouride toothpaste
• Limiting the time your child has a bottle
• Limiting access to food and drinks that cause tooth decay
• Helping your child master brushing and flossing

It’s also important to visit Little Harpeth Children’s Dentistry™ at least two times a year for routine checkups. 

If your child needs an age one dental visit, make an appointment at Little Harpeth Children’s Dentistry™ by calling the office today.