National Child Dental Health Month
Good dental health begins with your child’s first tooth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist when they get their first tooth or no later than 12 months of age.[i] This is an opportunity for the dentist to assess the development of your child’s teeth and review important information about preventing cavities. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable with daily oral hygiene and a healthy diet!
Some tips for preventing cavities:
If your baby uses a bottle or a sippy cup at naptime or bedtime it should only contain water. Juice, milk, formula and breast milk can cause cavities to form.
Cavities are caused by germs (bacteria) – so avoid putting food, pacifiers, or utensils in your mouth and then in your baby’s mouth. This reduces the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth to your child.
In the early stages, cavities can look like chalky white spots on your child’s teeth. With good hygiene and application of fluoride, these early cavities can be stopped from progressing to the point where they require a filling.
Use a small soft toothbrush or damp cloth to clean your infant’s teeth. Brush every surface. Your dentist may recommend that you use a “rice-sized’ amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
If your child can’t brush, have them rinse their mouth with water after eating sugary or sticky foods.
Assist older children with toothbrushing and flossing. They may need your help brushing every surface of every tooth.
We would love the opportunity to help keep your child’s mouth healthy. Please schedule an appointment for your child at the Dental Clinic.
*Please Call 360-426-5755 or stop by the Skokomish Wellness Center.
Source:
Guideline on Periodicity of Examination, Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance/Counseling, and Oral Treatment for Infants, Children, and Adolescents. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_Periodicity.pdf American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2025:312-24 Accessed on 01/12/2026
