Here’s What We Evaluate During A New Patient Infant Exam:
Medical & Developmental History
We start by reviewing your child’s medical background — including prenatal and birth history, developmental milestones, medications, allergies, or any health conditions. This helps us understand how overall health may impact oral development and guides us in tailoring care to your child’s unique needs.
Growth & Development of Jaws and Face
We evaluate jaw size, spacing, and symmetry, looking for early signs of bite problems or growth patterns that may affect chewing, speech, and airway development.
Enamel Quality & Mineralization
Even in infants, enamel can show early weaknesses. We look for white spots, weak areas, or other signs of enamel hypoplasia that may indicate higher cavity risk.
Eruption Patterns & Tooth Development
We track which teeth have come in and when, comparing them to expected timelines. Any missing, extra, or delayed teeth are noted early, allowing for proactive monitoring.
Lip, Tongue, and Cheek Ties
Tethered oral tissues can affect feeding, swallowing, speech, and jaw growth. We carefully assess for ties and provide guidance on whether intervention is needed.
Oral Habits
Thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting, and other habits can influence bite alignment and palate shape. We provide strategies for managing habits in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
Breathing & Airway Health
We screen for mouth breathing, snoring, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids — all of which can affect growth, sleep, and overall wellness.
Caries Risk Assessment
By combining family history, dietary habits, mineral exposure, and saliva quality, we can identify cavity risk early and work with parents on prevention strategies.
Feeding & Nutrition Guidance
We discuss breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, the transition to solids, and cup use. Parents also receive practical tips on diet choices that promote strong enamel and proper jaw development.
Oral Hygiene Coaching
Parents learn how to clean an infant’s gums and teeth using safe, gentle tools. We demonstrate brushing techniques and recommend age-appropriate products.
Trauma Prevention & Safety
As babies become mobile, dental injuries become more common. We review child-proofing strategies and explain what to do if a tooth is injured.
The goal of the first visit is to educate and empower parents, not just examine teeth. By addressing the full picture of your child’s oral and overall health, we lay the foundation for confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Specialized Pediatric Care You Can Count On
