If there are concerns about a tight tongue tie or lip tie, Dr. Ashlee can see infants as young as a few days old. These early visits allow parents to ask questions, discuss feeding concerns, and receive guidance from a provider who understands both pediatric dentistry and lactation-centered care.

For routine infant dentistry, babies should have their first dental exam either 6 months after the first tooth comes in or by their 1st birthday. This early visit helps your child get used to the dental setting while giving parents the tools they need to protect their baby’s smile from the beginning.

A baby’s first dental visit is about more than checking teeth. It gives parents useful, personalized guidance on how to prevent cavities, support healthy feeding habits, and create a positive relationship with dental care.

During this visit, Dr. Ashlee may discuss low-risk snacks, bottle and cup habits, brushing techniques, fluoride needs, and ways to make toothbrushing feel more comfortable at home. Early visits also help babies become familiar with having someone else look in their mouth and brush their teeth, which can make future appointments easier.

A baby’s first visit is gentle, simple, and parent-centered. Dr. Ashlee often uses a knee-to-knee exam, where your baby stays close to you while resting safely between the parent and doctor. This helps babies feel secure while allowing Dr. Ashlee to examine the mouth, gums, and teeth carefully.

She may use special glasses and a light to see small details clearly. The goal is to check growth, look for early signs of tooth decay, answer parent questions, and help your child begin dental visits in a calm and positive way.

Pediatric dentists examine babies with patience, flexibility, and tools designed for small mouths. At Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ashlee may use a knee-to-knee lap board to help position your child comfortably while keeping you involved throughout the visit.

An intraoral camera may also be used to help parents see hard-to-view areas. This makes it easier to explain findings, show areas of concern, and help parents understand what is happening in their baby’s mouth.

You are welcome to bring anything that helps your baby feel comfortable. A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or Tonies Audiobox character can make the visit feel more familiar.

Our practice also offers child-friendly distractions, including ceiling TVs, Tonies Audiobox, stuffed animals, stress balls, and a welcoming environment designed for young children. We want your baby’s visit to feel as easy and comforting as possible.

Good dental hygiene for infants can begin before the first tooth appears. Parents can gently wipe the gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings. This helps keep the mouth clean and introduces your baby to the feeling of oral care.

Once teeth come in, begin brushing gently with an infant-sized toothbrush. Dr. Ashlee can demonstrate proper brushing techniques and help you understand how much toothpaste to use based on your child’s age, tooth development, and cavity risk.

Yes. If a baby has teeth, those teeth can develop cavities. Baby teeth may be small, but they are still vulnerable to decay when milk, juice, or other sugary liquids sit on the teeth for long periods.

Nighttime feeding habits can increase cavity risk if milk is not brushed or wiped away from the teeth. Early exams help parents catch warning signs, adjust routines, and protect first teeth before small concerns become more serious.

Bottle-feeding at night can contribute to tooth decay when a baby falls asleep with milk, juice, or anything other than water in a bottle or sippy cup. During sleep, saliva flow decreases. Since saliva helps rinse the teeth and balance the mouth, lower saliva levels can make teeth more vulnerable.

When sugars from milk or juice sit on the teeth overnight, bacteria can produce acids that weaken enamel. This is one reason nighttime brushing or wiping the teeth can be so important once teeth have come in.

“Baby bottle tooth decay” is an older term often used to describe severe early childhood caries. This condition can happen when teeth are frequently exposed to milk, juice, or sweet drinks, especially during nighttime bottle or sippy cup use.

The front teeth are often affected because they come into direct contact with those liquids. Dr. Ashlee helps parents understand how feeding habits, brushing routines, fluoride, and conservative treatment options may help reduce the risk of decay.

A pediatric dentist can identify early signs of cavities and help parents make practical changes before the problem becomes larger. Dr. Ashlee may discuss feeding habits, snack choices, brushing routines, and ways to reduce sugar exposure throughout the day and night.

When needed, preventive or conservative care may include fluoride varnish, Silver Diamine Fluoride, or non-traditional treatment options that may not require numbing or drilling. These options are especially helpful for young children who need gentle, age-appropriate care.

The biggest concern is frequent exposure to sugars and carbohydrates that stay on the teeth. Milk, juice, sweet drinks, sticky snacks, and frequent grazing can all raise the risk of cavities, especially when teeth are not cleaned afterward.

This does not mean parents need to feel worried about every feeding choice. Instead, Dr. Ashlee helps families understand safer routines, low-risk snacking habits, and realistic ways to support healthy baby oral health at home.

The right visit schedule depends on your baby’s age, tooth development, feeding habits, cavity risk, and any concerns found during the first exam. Some babies may only need routine monitoring, while others may benefit from closer follow-up.

Regular visits help Dr. Ashlee watch tooth eruption, check for early decay, guide parents through brushing changes, and answer questions as your child grows. These visits also help your baby become more comfortable with the dental setting over time.

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common for babies and young children. In many cases, these habits are a normal part of soothing and development. As children grow, the frequency, intensity, and duration of the habit can matter more.

Dr. Ashlee can help parents understand what is typical, what should be monitored, and when a habit may begin to affect tooth position, jaw growth, or bite development. The goal is to guide families with patience rather than pressure.

Mild fussiness, drooling, chewing, and changes in sleep can happen when teeth begin to come in. Low grade fevers (below 100 F) can be associated with teething. If your child has a high grade fever (above 100.1 F) then seek care from a pediatrician. Teething can be uncomfortable, but it should not cause severe symptoms.

If you notice swelling, injury, unusual bleeding, feeding difficulty, or symptoms that seem outside the normal teething process, our team can help you decide whether your baby should be seen. We are here to support parents when something does not feel right.

Baby teeth help children chew, speak, smile, and hold space for permanent teeth. They also support healthy nutrition, comfort, and confidence during early development.

When cavities in baby teeth are left untreated, children may experience pain, infection, trouble eating, or difficulty sleeping. Protecting first teeth helps protect your child’s overall health and sets the stage for a more positive dental future.

Dr. Ashlee is a Certified Lactation Counselor and provides lip and tongue tie evaluations and releases for pediatric patients. If parents are concerned about feeding challenges, tight oral tissues, or latch concerns, an early evaluation can help determine whether treatment may be appropriate.

Our approach is supportive, informative, and centered on the needs of the child and caregiver. We take time to explain what we see, answer questions clearly, and help parents understand possible next steps.

Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry was designed to help children feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Our practice includes colorful murals, interactive toys, soft blankets, friendly team members, and a bright environment that supports comfort and trust.

We also believe parents deserve clear answers. That means no confusing jargon, no rushed explanations, and no pressure. Just honest guidance, gentle care, and a team that wants every child to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.