Common signs include difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, clicking sounds while nursing, a gap between the front teeth, or later, speech concerns. If you suspect a tie, bring your baby in — the exam is quick, and if treatment is needed, a laser frenectomy is a brief, precise procedure.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or when your child’s first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and can help prevent tooth decay. It is also a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and gain future guidance on their child’s dental growth.

To help prepare your child for their first dental visit, talk to them about what to expect and make the visit sound fun and exciting. Positive terminology should always be used and please do not describe any negative experiences you or anyone they know may have had. You can read books or watch videos about going to the dentist and you can always bring a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment. For young children under 6 years old, appointments should not be scheduled during a child’s regular nap time or when they may be hungry. Early morning appointments are the most successful for them and they do best when they have had a full night of sleep.

Extended thumb-sucking and pacifier use can lead to dental problems such as misaligned teeth, inability to close lips, increased trauma risk, and psychosocial issues (being bullied at school). Encourage your child to stop using a pacifier or thumb-sucking by the age of three.

The doctor will perform a knee-to-knee exam with a parent’s help, discuss good oral hygiene practices, describe tooth eruption sequences, clean the teeth and gums, and apply topical fluoride varnish to the child’s teeth.

Children can start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first baby tooth erupts. However, use only a smear or rice-sized amount until they are 2 years old. At this time, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is appropriate.