Super smiles for life start early, with a first dental visit when your child's first tooth comes in and simple daily habits at home. A child's smile expresses joy, laughter and fun, and it deserves care from day one. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, we help parents give their kids a healthy start that lasts.
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they matter. They help your child chew, speak clearly and hold space for the adult teeth growing underneath. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection and crowding later on. The good news is that most of it is preventable.
When to schedule your child's first visit
We recommend bringing your child in when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. Major dental groups give the same advice. An early visit is the first step in preventing problems and sets the stage for lifelong dental health.
That first visit is short and gentle. Dr. Steven Haywood looks carefully at your child's teeth, gums and bite to make sure there are no concerns. Often your child can sit on your lap. We also spend time with you, the parent, talking through:
- How to brush and, when teeth touch, how to floss your child's teeth
- Healthy food and drink choices, and the effects of poor ones
- Teething, thumb sucking and pacifier habits
- Options to strengthen enamel, such as remineralization varnish for families who prefer a holistic approach, or fluoride for those who want it
Our children's dentistry page explains more about how we care for young patients.
Food, drinks and your toddler's teeth
Whenever sugary foods or drinks touch teeth, mouth bacteria turn that sugar into acid. Acid weakens enamel, and repeated or prolonged exposure starts to wear it away, setting the stage for cavities. Unlike a broken bone, enamel cannot grow back. Weakened enamel can be remineralized to a small degree, but once it is gone, it is gone.
A few habits make a big difference:
- Bottles at bedtime: If your baby or toddler needs a bottle to settle down and sleep, fill it with water only. Milk or juice pooling around teeth overnight is a leading cause of early childhood decay.
- Juice in a cup, not all day: Keep juice to small amounts, serve it in a cup with a meal, and avoid letting your child sip on it for hours.
- Sticky and hard candy: Caramels, gummies and hard candies lodge in the grooves of molars and between teeth. They are best avoided or kept as an occasional treat.
- Low-sugar snacks: Cheese, yogurt without added sugar, fruit and crunchy vegetables are kinder to teeth than crackers and fruit snacks.
Our article on hidden sugar shows where sugar hides in foods many parents think of as healthy.
Brushing and flossing habits that stick
Children learn by watching. Brush and floss your own teeth in front of your child, so they see it is a normal, comfortable part of the day. If you have not been flossing regularly, now is a great time to start.
How to brush a young child's teeth
- Use a soft-bristled, child-sized brush and a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice for children under three and a pea-sized amount after that.
- Let your child try brushing, then go over every tooth yourself afterward. Most children need help until about age six or seven.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, with the bedtime brushing being the most important.
- When finished, have your child spit out the extra toothpaste and give them a small sip of water.
Making it fun
A favorite song, a two-minute timer or a sticker chart can turn brushing into a game. Letting your child pick a toothbrush color helps too. Our article on how often to replace a toothbrush is a handy reminder for the whole family.
Preparing your child for the dentist
Before the appointment, talk with your child about the visit in simple, positive terms. Let them know the dentist will count and check their teeth. Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot," and try not to pass on any of your own worries. Reading a picture book about a dental visit can help.
Dr. Haywood will help your child feel proud of their effort and make the visit a good one, the first of many to come. The whole team works to keep visits relaxed and unhurried, so little ones feel at home.
Protecting smiles as your child grows
As children get older, their dental needs change. A few things to keep in mind:
- Regular checkups: Twice-yearly visits catch cavities early, when they are small. See our preventive dentistry page.
- Sealants: Ask about sealing the deep grooves of the back teeth when they come in.
- Sports mouthguards: A mouthguard protects teeth during contact sports and active play.
- Bite and alignment: If your child's teeth are crowding or the bite looks off, early checks help with planning. Teens may be good candidates for Invisalign Teen.
Common questions from parents
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Often, yes. Some baby molars stay in place until age 10 to 12. A cavity left untreated can grow, cause pain or infection, and affect the adult tooth developing beneath it. Dr. Haywood will explain whether a small spot can be watched or needs care now, and uses tooth-colored, BPA-free white fillings when a filling is needed. The office is mercury-free.
Is thumb sucking a problem?
Thumb and pacifier habits are normal in babies and toddlers. Most children stop on their own. If the habit continues as adult teeth come in, it can affect how the teeth and jaws develop, so mention it at your child's checkup.
What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth?
Stay calm and call the office. Keep any broken piece in milk. Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back in its socket, since that can harm the adult tooth underneath. Our emergency dental care guide covers what to do in more detail.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
X-rays are taken only when they help answer a real question, such as checking between teeth that touch. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than older film.
Give your child a head start
Remember that you can call any time between visits with questions or concerns. We are dedicated to your child's lifelong dental health, and to yours. The office also offers restorative and cosmetic dentistry for the grown-ups in the family.
To schedule your child's first visit in Shrewsbury, call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment online.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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