COMFORT CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

BABIES & TODDLERS

It’s never too early to care for your child’s oral health. That’s why adding a pediatric dentist to the team of health professionals you’ve chosen for your family just makes sense. From teething and brushing concerns to cavity prevention and treatment, a pediatric dentist can help instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Growing Smiles specializes in creating a positive and comfortable dental experience specifically tailored to the unique needs of infants and toddlers, ensuring that dental visits are stress-free and beneficial from the very start of your child’s oral health journey.

WHY CHOOSE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should have their first dental visit with a pediatric dentist by age one. Children who begin seeing a pediatric dentist as infants and toddlers  have a greater chance of preventing cavities and may avoid costly restorative dental procedures. Besides reducing anxiety, starting dental visits early in a child’s life helps establish dental check-ups as part of the routine for healthy kids.

  • Please contact us at 410-569-6700 (Bel Air) or 410-697-9000 (White Marsh).  You may also email Growing Smiles for appointment information for your child’s first visit.

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FIRST DENTAL VISIT BY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Quick & Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

At Growing Smiles, we follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics with the mantra ‘First Visit by First Birthday.’

Begin cleaning your infant’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth start erupting, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently twice a day, especially before bedtime.

Signs of teething may include increased drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and chewing on objects. You can soothe your child by giving them a clean teething ring to chew on, gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, or offering a chilled (not frozen) teething toy.

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits in infants and toddlers. Most children outgrow these habits by age 3. If prolonged, they can affect dental development. We can discuss strategies to help your child stop these habits if needed.

Preparing your child for their first dental visit is an important step in fostering a lifetime of healthy oral habits. Start by explaining what a dentist does and why dental visits are necessary. Use simple, positive language and avoid using words that might cause unnecessary fear, such as ‘pain’ or ‘shot’. You can also read children’s books about visiting the dentist or play pretend dentist games to familiarize them with the process. On the day of the visit, ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten a light meal. Remember, it’s completely normal for a child to feel nervous. Reassure them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth strong and healthy.

It’s important to start dental visits early, ideally by your child’s first birthday. When preparing for a visit, keep it simple and avoid using words that might scare your child. You can play pretend dentist at home to make them comfortable with the process. It’s normal for children to fuss during a visit, so stay calm and let the dentist guide you. Avoid bribing your child to behave at the dentist, instead, praise them for their bravery after the visit. Emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene and make the visit as fun as possible. Remember, the goal is to establish a trusting relationship with the dentist and make your child feel comfortable during future visits. This sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

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