Infant Dental Exams in Atlanta, GA for Babies and Growing Toddlers

A tooth is at risk for decay as soon as it appears. An early visit helps us assess your child’s cavity risk and guide you through the habits that protect growing teeth. At this visit, we cover:

• How teeth are coming in and how your child’s mouth is developing
• Feeding patterns, including bottles, sippy cups, and nighttime nursing
• Fluoride exposure through drinking water and toothpaste
• Teething, thumb sucking, and pacifier use
• What to do if your child falls and hits a tooth

Establishing a pediatric dental home early also gives you someone to call when something unexpected happens.

No. One tooth is enough to begin dental care. Even a single tooth can develop a cavity, and an early visit gives us time to talk about brushing, feeding, and what to expect as more teeth come in. You do not need to wait for a full smile, or a concern, to schedule an appointment.

For our youngest patients, we often use a knee-to-knee exam. You sit facing the dentist, and your baby lies back with their head supported in the dentist’s lap while you stay close and help comfort them.

We review your child’s health history and any concerns you have. The visit may include:

• A look at the teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth
• A gentle cleaning appropriate for your child’s needs
• Fluoride varnish based on your child’s cavity risk
• Guidance on brushing, feeding, and caring for new teeth
• Time for your questions

Some babies are comfortable during the exam, while others may cry or need extra reassurance. Both responses are normal. We explain what we are doing and help you support your child throughout the visit.

We check for early signs of decay, including chalky white areas that may indicate mineral loss from the enamel. We also examine the gums and other soft tissues, assess your child’s developing bite, and look for signs of injury.

If you have feeding concerns, we can evaluate your child’s oral structures and discuss whether further assessment is needed. Feeding difficulties can have several causes, so some children benefit from an evaluation involving other healthcare professionals.

Most children benefit from visits every six months. These appointments help us identify concerns early and support healthy habits as your child grows. Children with a higher cavity risk may need more frequent visits, often every three months.

We recommend an interval based on your child’s individual needs as part of their preventive dentistry plan.

Yes. Tooth decay is a common chronic childhood disease. Bacteria that contribute to cavities can pass from one person’s mouth to another through saliva, for example, when sharing a spoon or taking bites from the same piece of food. These bacteria use sugars from foods and drinks to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel over time. Bacterial transfer is only one part of the picture; brushing habits, fluoride exposure, and how often teeth are exposed to sugars also influence whether cavities develop.

Baby teeth deserve care even though they eventually fall out. They help your child chew, develop speech, and hold space for permanent teeth. Untreated decay can lead to pain and infection, which is why prevention and early attention matter.

“Baby bottle tooth decay” is a familiar term for tooth decay in young children, but cavities can develop even in children who never use a bottle. Frequent exposure to sugary foods or drinks, plaque buildup, and other individual risk factors all play a role. Dentists use the broader term early childhood caries to describe decay in children younger than six.

A few daily habits can help protect your child’s teeth:

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
• Brush twice daily from the first tooth, using a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than three. At age three, use a pea-sized amount.
• Make brushing part of the bedtime routine after the last feeding.
• Begin practicing with a cup around the first birthday.
• Avoid juice before age one. For ages one through three, limit 100% juice to no more than four ounces daily, offered with a meal rather than sipped throughout the day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers additional guidance on caring for baby teeth. These routines can be challenging when you are short on sleep, so bring us your questions and we will help you find an approach that works for your family.

Keep the explanation short and upbeat. Simple words such as “The dentist will count your teeth and help us keep them healthy” give your child an idea of what to expect.

A few things that may help:

• Choose a time when your child is usually rested.
• Bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.
• Practice opening wide and counting teeth together.
• Let your child watch you brush your teeth.

If your child had a difficult experience at another office or has sensory sensitivities, tell us beforehand. Knowing what helps, and what feels challenging, allows us to prepare for their visit.

Our team can explain the cost of your child’s first visit and review any available insurance benefits before the appointment. Recommended services depend on your child’s needs. We will discuss fees and estimated out-of-pocket costs with you before providing care.

If you are paying out of pocket, please ask about pricing when you schedule.

Led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Loliya J. Stewart, our team combines specialized care with a warm, practical approach to helping parents care for their children’s teeth. As a parent herself, Dr. Stewart understands the everyday questions and concerns that come with caring for young children.  

At Crown & Bloom, families can expect:

• Knee-to-knee positioning to help babies stay close to a parent
• An approach tailored to their child’s comfort and needs
• Clear explanations of what we see and what we recommend
• Thoughtful care for children with sensory sensitivities and unique needs
• A team that gets to know their child and family over time

You can explore our pediatric dental services to learn how we support your child as they grow.