March 21, 2025. The Daily Reflector. By Kayla Gorham.

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, more prevalent than asthma and allergies combined? Yet for many families, it remains an overlooked health issue.

As parents or caregivers, you want to give your child the best possible start in life, which includes their oral health — even before their first tooth appears. While we often hear about taking children to the dentist as they grow, it is less common to hear how critical it is to establish a dental home by your baby’s first birthday. As a fourth-year dental student and NC Schweitzer Fellow, I’ve learned how early dental care can make a lifetime of difference — and how simple steps can protect your baby’s oral health.

Why start so early? Tooth decay, if untreated, can lead to pain, infections and issues with eating, speaking and learning. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child have a “dental home,” a consistent source of coordinated dental care, by their first birthday. Unfortunately, many families wait until their child is 3 or older before the first dental visit — often after problems have begun.

Visiting the dentist by your baby’s first birthday helps prevent cavities and builds a foundation for lifelong health. Dentists can check for early signs of oral health issues, provide guidance on teething and cleaning baby teeth, and ensure proper dental development.

Oral care starts long before the first tooth appears. Here’s how you can protect your baby’s smile:

• Clean gums daily: Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and build a healthy routine.
• Brush as teeth appear: Use a baby toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice daily.
• Avoid sugary drinks: Fill bottles and sippy cups with water, breast milk or formula — not juice or sugary drinks.
• Limit nighttime feeding: Clean gums or teeth after feeding to prevent milk from sitting on teeth overnight.
• Schedule a dental visit: Take your baby to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

These habits can prevent problems before they start and help your baby feel comfortable with dental care.

Your baby’s doctor can also play a role in their oral health. Pediatricians often see babies more frequently than dentists in the early years, making these visits an opportunity to check for signs of oral health issues and recommend a dentist. If your pediatrician hasn’t mentioned oral health, start the conversation by asking, “When should I take my baby to the dentist?” or “How can I care for my baby’s teeth?”

For many families, finding a dentist for infants can be challenging. Some dental offices turn away children under 3, leaving families unsure where to turn. Referral systems between pediatricians and dental clinics can ease the process, helping families connect with a dental home early.

If you’re not sure where to start:

• Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a dentist who treats infants.
• Look for pediatric dental clinics specializing in young children.
• Check local health departments or community clinics for low-cost dental care options.

As a caregiver, you have the power to set your baby on a path to lifelong health. By prioritizing oral health early, you can prevent painful dental problems and instill habits that will last a lifetime.

Imagine a future where no child suffers from cavities before starting school and where every baby has access to the dental care they need. Together, caregivers, dentists, doctors and community programs can make this vision a reality, one healthy smile at a time.

Kayla Gorham is a 2024-25 BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellow and a member of the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2025.