When should I bring my baby for their first dental appointment?

You should bring your baby for their first appointment shortly after their first baby teeth emerge. This lets us check their development to make sure their teeth are growing correctly. It also helps your baby get comfortable with going to the dentist and having their mouth examined.

Is it safe to put juice in a bottle or sippy cup?

Juice can be a nice treat for your child, but it can also cause tooth decay. If you do give your child juice, give them a bottle or cup of water as well. The water will help keep their mouth clean and prevent cavities.

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

You can start cleaning your baby’s mouth and gums with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush as soon as they’re born. When they begin teething, you can start using a “smear” of baby toothpaste to clean their teeth. Once they have their baby teeth, you can start letting them brush their teeth themselves with your help.

Family Dentistry in Downtown Dartmouth | Peter Zwicker Dental Services

Friendly Dental Care for Children

Children's dental care services give your child an excellent start on a lifetime of good dental health. We combine education, regular exams, and preventative treatments to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy.

Preventative Dentistry for Your Child

Your child should see a dentist every six months to maintain good dental health. Regular preventative dental treatments prevent cavities and gum disease and keep your child's teeth healthy. Preventative appointments usually include oral hygiene to clean your child's teeth and remove decay-causing plaque and tartar. They also include a comprehensive dental exam to detect and treat problems and dental education to help your child learn good brushing, flossing, and eating habits.

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Sealants

Food and plaque can build up between the cusps of children's molars, leading to tooth decay. Dental sealants protect the surface of their molars by preventing this buildup from happening.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your child may need to have their wisdom teeth extracted when they reach their late teens. Learn more about wisdom teeth, why they sometimes need to be extracted, and how the procedure is performed.

Video: Wisdom Teeth Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

Bring your baby for their first appointment shortly after their first baby teeth emerge. This will help them become familiar with our office and having their teeth cleaned and examined. During your child’s first appointment, their dentist will assess their dental health and development.

Water is the safest drink for your child. Fruit juice contains sugar and acids that can damage their teeth and lead to cavities. Water is safe for their teeth and helps rinse away sugar and food particles from their teeth.

You can gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft, moist cloth or toothbrush as soon as they come home from the hospital. When your baby’s first teeth emerge, you can add a small amount of baby toothpaste.

Dartmouth Family Dentistry