Infant Dentistry

Every child should visit the dentist before their first birthday to prevent early signs of decay. The board-certified pediatric dentists at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, understand the importance of infant dentistry. That’s why they provide exceptional age one dentistry care at their office in Woodbridge, Virginia. To learn more about infant dentistry, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is infant dentistry?

Also called age one dentistry, infant dentistry focuses on early dental care for babies. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting a dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth eruption or by their first birthday. These early visits are essential for your child’s oral health and tooth development.

Why is infant dentistry important?

Infant dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to identify early signs of decay, delayed tooth eruption, and other potential oral health concerns. Connecting with the Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC team also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, form a healthy oral hygiene plan, and encourage a positive relationship between your child and their pediatric dentist.

What services are included in infant dentistry?

The pediatric dentists at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC provide personalized care for infants that may include:

Cavity risk assessment

During a cavity risk assessment, the team examines your infant’s teeth (or tooth) to detect decay. They also teach you to detect cavities at home by checking for white spots on your child’s teeth.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help protect and strengthen bones, including your child’s teeth.

Dietary counseling

Whether your child is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, they may be at risk for baby bottle tooth decay — cavities that develop from liquid accumulating on the teeth. Dietary counseling can help protect your baby’s teeth from decay now and in the future.

Dental sealants

A dental sealant is a protective coating that blocks bacteria. The team may recommend a sealant if your child’s tooth is vulnerable to cavities.

Brushing instructions

Even before your baby’s first tooth emerges, brushing their gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush can remove plaque buildup. The team can offer special instructions on best brushing practices for infants.

Cavity treatment

Cavities can develop in infants vulnerable to decay. If necessary, the team may recommend a filling to protect their oral health.

What happens during an age one visit?

During your child’s first visit to Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, the team counts their teeth, performs a light cleaning if necessary, and applies a fluoride treatment for extra protection. The team also provides thorough oral hygiene education and welcomes any questions you have regarding your infant’s oral health.

To learn more about infant dentistry, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.