The enamel of baby teeth is significantly thinner than the permanent teeth. Dental decay starts sooner and progresses more quickly in baby teeth than in permanent teeth. These first dental visits are important to help parents and children establish good oral hygiene habits, monitor oral development, identify pre-cavitated lesions, and avoid cavity-causing dietary habits.
Infant Oral Health Exam
The cleaning and examination for small children who are unable to sit in the dental chair is typically done with a “knee-to-knee” approach. The parent will hold the child in their lap with the child facing the parent. The child will then be leaned back onto the lap of the dentist while the parent holds the child’s hands. This allows the dentist to do a quick cleaning and thorough examination with a trusted adult right there for comfort.