Starting dental care early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
When Should My Baby First See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This might seem early, but there is good reason for it.
Early visits let us check that teeth and jaw development are on track, spot any early signs of decay, give parents guidance on feeding habits and oral hygiene, and get your child comfortable with the dental environment before any real treatment is ever needed.
What We Check
What We Check at an Infant or Toddler Visit
Tooth eruption and spacing
Gum health and soft tissue
Oral hygiene and cleaning technique for parents
Habits that can affect development, such as prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking
Dietary and feeding patterns that may contribute to early decay
What to Expect
The visit is short and low-key. No drills, no anxiety.
- Dr. Sandhu examines your child's teeth and gums
- We go over any findings with you and answer your questions
- You leave with clear, practical guidance for caring for your child's teeth at home
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable
Talk about the visit positively before you come in. Avoid words like 'hurt' or 'needle.' Most toddlers do better when parents stay calm and matter-of-fact. Our team is experienced with young children and takes as much time as needed.
We welcome patients from Carmichael and nearby communities including Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade, and the Sacramento 95841 area. As your child grows, they will transition to our regular children's dentist visits.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Baby teeth matter. They hold space for permanent teeth and affect how your child speaks and chews. Early decay in baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth developing below. Starting early makes the whole process easier.
This is very common. We are experienced with it. We may do a shorter visit to just get comfortable, and come back for the full exam. We never force a child.
Come in as soon as you can. We will assess the situation and discuss the treatment options based on your child's age and the extent of the cavity.
For infants before teeth appear, use a soft damp cloth to wipe the gums. Once teeth come in, use an infant toothbrush with a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste. We will show you at the visit.
Extended pacifier use can affect tooth alignment. Dr. Sandhu will assess whether it is a concern at your child's current stage and give you practical, non-pressured guidance.
Time for your baby's first dental visit in Carmichael?
We make early visits calm, quick, and low-key for little ones.
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