Frequently Asked Questions

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early dental visits help monitor oral development, identify concerns such as tongue tie, and establish healthy habits that support a lifetime of good oral health.

Common signs of tongue tie in infants include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, clicking sounds during feeding, excessive gas, prolonged feeding sessions, and slow weight gain. Some babies may also have trouble moving their tongue freely. If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding or oral development, a tongue tie evaluation can help determine if treatment is needed.

Yes. While some tongue ties are identified during infancy, others become more noticeable as children grow. Toddlers with tongue tie may have difficulty sticking out their tongue, licking foods, moving food around their mouth, or pronouncing certain sounds. Early evaluation can help determine whether the restriction is affecting oral function or speech development.

Most babies begin teething between 6 and 12 months of age, although some may start earlier or later. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front teeth. Common teething symptoms include drooling, chewing on objects, mild irritability, and sore gums.

Safe teething relief options include offering a chilled teether, gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger, and providing age-appropriate teething toys. Chewing on a teether applies gentle pressure to the gums, which can help relieve discomfort as new teeth erupt.

Yes. Teethers can provide relief by massaging sore gums and applying counter-pressure to erupting teeth. They also give babies a safe outlet for their natural chewing instincts and can help distract them from teething discomfort.

Parents should avoid liquid-filled teething rings, teething toys with breakable parts or batteries, products made from unknown materials, and teething jewelry such as amber necklaces. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against teething necklaces because they can pose choking and strangulation risks.

Some pediatric dentist-approved options include silicone teethers, textured gum massagers, training toothbrushes, and one-piece natural rubber teethers. Popular choices include Sophie La Girafe, Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush, Comotomo Silicone Teether, and other BPA-free, phthalate-free products designed specifically for infants.

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No. Frozen teethers can become too hard and may irritate or damage sensitive gums. Instead, place teethers in the refrigerator to provide a cooling effect that safely helps numb sore gums.

Most silicone and rubber teethers can be cleaned with warm soapy water, placed in the dishwasher if manufacturer-approved, or sterilized according to product instructions. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and keeps teething toys safe for daily use.

As soon as the first tooth appears, begin brushing twice daily using a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Even before teeth erupt, parents can gently wipe their baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Baby teeth play a critical role in chewing, speech development, jaw growth, and guiding permanent teeth into their proper positions. Keeping baby teeth healthy helps support your child’s overall development and reduces the risk of dental problems later.

Yes. Tooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Frequent exposure to sugary drinks, milk during overnight feedings, and inadequate oral hygiene can increase the risk of early childhood cavities.

Most children should visit the pediatric dentist every six months for preventive care, professional cleanings, and developmental monitoring. Regular dental visits help identify concerns early and keep your child’s smile healthy as they grow.

If your baby has feeding difficulties, your toddler is experiencing oral function challenges, or you’ve received a recommendation from a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or speech therapist, scheduling a tongue tie evaluation can help determine the best next steps for your child.

At Smile Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care for infants, toddlers, children, and teens. From first dental visits and teething guidance to tongue tie evaluations and preventive care, our team helps families throughout Washington, DC, support healthy smiles from the very beginning.