Many parents are not aware that it’s beneficial for their baby to be seen by our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dentist once a tooth arrives or they turn 1. In fact, early wellness in the form of an infant oral health exam sets the stage for lifelong smile care. These initial evaluations are crucial for detecting potential concerns promptly, providing essential advice on oral care routines, and giving guidance on nutritional tips for fostering strong teeth and gums.
Here’s what you need to know prior to arriving for an .
What to ExpectDuring Your Visit
Our pediatric dentist will start by conducting a gentle examination of your child’s mouth to assess the development of their teeth and gums. To ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience for both you and your infant, we’ll perform this while sitting “knee-to-knee”. This means that your child will lay on your lap with their legs wrapped around your waist while their head rests on a comfortable surface on our dentist’s lap.
Ultimately, this positioning increases the comfort level of your baby during the exam. It also makes the examination process easier for our dentist when patients are too small for the dental chair. The experience can be a lot for young children and they may become fussy when overstimulated but we will try to keep the visit short and sweet.
Once all is said and done, we’ll develop a customized care plan that’s tailored to your child’s needs based on what we find. This plan may include recommendations for home care, follow-up visits, and treatments if necessary. Our dentist will also dedicate time for you to ask questions and express concerns, ensuring you leave well-informed and confident in managing your child’s oral health.
Prioritizing Early Detection, Prevention, & Education
Infant oral exams are primarily focused on identifying problems that can snowball if left unchecked like , teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking. By starting dental visits early, we can instill positive oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime, reducing the likelihood of cavities or other related problems with dental sealants or fluoride applications.
A significant part of these exams is also educating parents and guardians. Our team provides expert advice on how to care for your infant’s teeth, including proper brushing techniques, the importance of avoiding sugary drinks, and the role of a balanced diet in dental health. Even before their first tooth appears, we empower you with the knowledge to protect your child’s oral health.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Give your child the gift of healthy teeth and gums from the start. Schedule an infant oral health exam with our pediatric dentist in Saginaw, MI, today and take the first step towards ensuring a lifetime of smiles. Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment!