At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we believe it’s never too early to protect your child’s smile. Our infant dentistry in Montclair, NJ, focuses on prevention, education, and gentle care for babies from their very first tooth. We guide parents through early oral care, teething concerns, and how to lay the foundation for lifelong dental health.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Our warm, welcoming team makes that first visit enjoyable and informative—for both you and your little one.
Starting dental care early helps catch any developmental issues before they become problems. We check for proper tooth eruption, tongue-tie or lip-tie, and offer guidance on feeding, teething, and oral hygiene. Establishing dental visits early also reduces anxiety as your child grows.
Our goal is to partner with you from the start, offering tips for brushing, bottle-feeding habits, pacifier use, and more. Infant dentistry empowers parents and protects smiles from day one.
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Tooth decay can begin as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears? Early visits help prevent “baby bottle decay” and other risks.
At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to be your child’s first dental home. Our team specializes in creating positive first experiences through gentle exams, calm environments, and education-focused visits. We take the time to answer every question and guide you through caring for your baby’s growing smile.
From teething to brushing tips, we offer customized support at every stage. You can trust us to care for your little one with warmth, expertise, and a focus on prevention.
We make baby's first visit calm and fun.
Teething, brushing, feeding—get expert tips.
Catch issues early, avoid future problems.
Pediatric specialists who truly care.
See real patient success stories.
Starting dental visits early reinforces daily brushing, healthy feeding routines, and regular oral checkups as your child grows.
We offer strategies to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, avoid prolonged pacifier use, and manage dietary habits that affect oral health.
Children who visit the dentist from infancy often grow up with less anxiety, greater comfort, and better oral health outcomes.
The dentist will begin your child’s first appointment by getting to know you and your little one a little better. She may ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health, such as when their first teeth came in and their current oral care routine. This information will allow the dentist to provide more specialized care.
Next, the dentist will “count” your infant’s teeth and examine their mouth, looking for any potential signs of developmental issues or decay. This will provide her with insights on how your child’s mouth is developing as they grow.
The dentist will also examine your child’s gums. While gum disease is rare in infants, inflammation and irritation can still occur, so it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible. Once the exam is finished, the dentist will discuss with you your child’s oral health and offer advice on how to keep their teeth healthy.
The current recommendation of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) is that you take your child to the dentist for an appointment by the age of 1, or within six months after the first tooth erupts. While this may seem early, seeing a dentist regularly and establishing a “dental home” early has a number of great benefits.
A “dental home” is the dental office where your child will receive the majority of their dental care as they grow. There are a few reasons why a dental home is important. First, your child will be able to develop a real, meaningful relationship with their dentist, and with the staff at our office. They will feel more safe and comfortable during their appointment, and become more familiar with the basics of dentistry. This can help reduce feelings of discomfort, fear, and anxiety, and prevent them from developing dental anxiety later in life.
In addition, if your child sees the same dentist regularly, they will receive more productive dental care. Their pediatric dentist will understand the unique oral health challenges that your child may face, and will be able to take steps to provide specialized care. For example, if your child is cavity-prone and develops tooth decay at a young age, their doctor may recommend a more diligent at-home oral care routine, along with regular fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants.
Yes. X-rays are safe for children of all ages. The latest x-ray technology uses minimal radiation, and all patients are given protective equipment to reduce their exposure. That said, your child will only need to get x-rays if their dentist believes they may have a hidden dental issue that can’t be detected with a visual exam alone.
Baby teeth fall out naturally, so why is it so important to keep your child’s baby teeth healthy? Well, decayed and damaged baby teeth can be very painful and uncomfortable, and lead to serious oral health complications, just like adult teeth.
But beyond this, the baby teeth provide the “path” that the adult teeth will follow when they begin to erupt. If your child’s baby teeth are decayed or they lose a baby tooth earlier than they’re supposed to, this could lead to further oral development issues as your child grows.
Prolonged use can affect teeth and jaw development. We’ll help you understand when and how to phase out those habits.
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