1st Dental Visits for Babies & Toddlers
In Rockville & Gaithersburg

Professional Care For Your Little One

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, but no later than their first birthday. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know this. Just reach out to us and we will be happy to start the relationship. At Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Bana Ball specializes in oral care for infants and toddlers.

Establish a "dental home" early, so you know who can help you when your baby or toddler has that inevitable dental trauma
Visits done in the "knee-to-knee" position (you holding your infant in your lap)
Get answers to any questions you may have about your child’s oral development and teething and get anticipatory guidance (what to expect as your child develops)
Tips and tricks for cleaning your child's mouth properly, and tooth-friendly nutritional advice

The Benefits Of Early Dental Care

First Visit by Your Child’s First Birthday—Here’s Why:

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Stay Comfortable

Seeing a dentist regularly from an early age ensures that you and your child will feel comfortable with dental visits in the future.

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Track Oral Development

Dr. Ball will track your child’s oral health and development over time as they grow, and identify any potential areas of concern.

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Get Answers

We can teach you how to care for your child’s gums and teeth properly as they grow, answer questions about teething, food choices, and more.

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Get Child-Friendly Dentistry In Rockville!

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Visit the Dentist Early & Regularly

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by the time they turn one year old, or whenever their first tooth grows in.

Seeing a dentist early lets us track your child’s oral health and development effectively, and ensures that we have a strong preventive plan in place for your child. Starting early also allows you to establish a pediatric dental home that you can rely on for any issues that arise during those accident-prone toddler years.

Check out our photo gallery and look for our "Baby Exam Room".

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Addressing Nursing, Swallowing & Breathing Issues

Common problems like mouth breathing, an improper swallow, and difficulties nursing can lead to serious oral health and development issues for your child in the future. We can assess your child for these conditions and provide you with information about what steps to take next.

Assessing For Tongue & Lip Ties

Tongue and lip ties are a common cause of breastfeeding issues, and if left unaddressed, they can cause problems for your child, both in infancy and beyond. Dr. Ball can assess your child for the presence of tongue and lip ties, and if appropriate, can recommend frenectomy treatment to correct the issue and ensure proper feeding.

Treating tongue and/or lip ties can be a controversial topic and is complicated by the fact that the challenges with breastfeeding inevitably take an emotional and physical toll on new moms. It is wise to consult with lactation specialists and try non-surgical methods of management whenever possible.

There are cases where there appears to be a prominent lip and/or tongue-tie, and yet the latch is adequate and the nursing relationship is successful. There are other times when there are no obvious anatomic abnormalities and the relationship is difficult, painful, and strained. Each situation needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. We are here to help guide you.

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Common Infant Dentistry FAQs

Do you have questions about your child’s dental care? Get your answers!

What Can I Expect During My baby’s dental Visit?

Infant visits take place in our Baby Room, which is more reminiscent of a nursery than a dental operatory. During your child’s appointment, you can hold your child in your lap. You and Dr. Ball will use the “knee to knee” position (we will explain and demonstrate- don’t worry!) and Dr. Ball will complete a thorough yet gentle assessment of your child’s mouth. You will receive oral hygiene instructions as Dr. Ball cleans your child’s teeth and gums and demonstrates effective methods of working with wiggly little ones. Remember, their cooperation is not required. We know what is age-appropriate and can do our job using creative methods, which you can also implement easily at home. You will leave reassured that you’ve had all your questions answered and can always reach out with follow-up questions later on as needed. We are here for you.

Giving Back: Raising Funds for St. Jude’s

Dr. Ball’s commitment to helping children does not stop at the doors of her dental practice. A portion of the proceeds from every new patient visit will be donated to St. Jude's in order to support the fight to end childhood cancer.