Infant Oral Care (First Visit by Age 1)

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This is earlier than many parents expect, but there is good reason for it.

The first visit is less about treatment and more about establishing a dental home, checking that early development is on track, and giving parents practical guidance on home care. Starting early also means your child begins getting familiar with the dental office from a young age, before any anxiety has a chance to develop.

The first visit is brief and gentle. For very young babies, a parent may sit in the chair with the baby resting in their lap. The dentist does a quick exam of the gums, any teeth that have come in, the bite, and the soft tissues, checking that everything looks healthy and is developing normally.

The visit is also a chance for parent education: home care routines, what to expect as more teeth come in, feeding habits, and the signs that should prompt a call or follow-up. There is rarely any discomfort, and the visit is usually short.

Even before the first tooth comes in, it is a good idea to wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. This removes milk residue and starts a routine that carries over naturally once teeth begin to appear.

Once the first tooth appears, begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush. The Canadian Dental Association recommends a small amount of fluoride toothpaste at this stage:

• A grain-of-rice sized amount until age 3
• A pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6

Parents should brush their child's teeth (or supervise brushing) until the child has the dexterity to do a thorough job on their own, usually around age 7 or 8.

Early childhood caries, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, is a pattern of decay in babies and toddlers that often affects the upper front teeth. It can happen when a baby is frequently exposed to milk, formula, or juice for long periods, especially when put to bed with a bottle.

If your baby falls asleep at the breast or with a bottle, try to gently remove it once they are drowsy and before they are fully asleep. Water is fine if a bedtime bottle is part of your child's routine. The team can offer more specific guidance at your child's first visit.

Teething usually begins around 6 months of age, though timing varies widely. Common signs include drooling, irritability, and wanting to chew on things. Mild fussiness and sore gums are typical. High fever or diarrhea are not caused by teething and should be checked by your child's physician.

Chilled (not frozen) teething rings and gentle gum massage with a clean finger can bring some relief. If you have questions about what is normal during teething, the team is happy to help.