Early Infant Oral Care
at Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant
Every parent wants to give their child a strong, healthy start. That includes taking care of their mouth long before they have a full set of teeth. Early infant oral care at Kids Teeth helps you build simple habits, avoid guesswork, and feel confident as your baby grows. Our pediatric dentists guide families in Mt. Pleasant with steady support, gentle care, and clear steps—right from your baby’s first smile. Whether you visit our Johnnie Dodds or Park West office, you’ll find a calm space and a team that understands what early care really means. It’s easier than ever, too — exams are complimentary for infants 18 months and under at Kids Teeth!
Why Early Infant Oral Care Helps Your Baby Thrive
Your baby’s mouth does more than hold teeth. It supports feeding, sleep, speech sounds, and comfort. Baby teeth help shape the face and guide adult teeth into place. Early decay can lead to pain, infection, or trouble eating. That’s why we recommend starting oral care early. At Kids Teeth, we take time to answer your questions, teach you how to care for your baby’s mouth, and give you the support you need. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
When to Book That First Dental Visit
The first birthday is a great time for a first dental checkup — or six months after the first tooth comes in. This visit isn’t just about checking teeth—it’s about setting a strong base. We can look for early signs of issues like lip or tongue ties, review feeding habits, and help you plan for the coming stages. At Kids Teeth, we make it easy to book visit times that work with infant routines, so care fits into your day, not the other way around. And because the first exam is free for infants 18 months and under, there’s never been a better time.
What to Expect During Your Baby’s First Visit
We start with comfort—yours and your baby’s. From the moment you walk in, our staff makes room for feeding, soothing, and settling in. Your baby may sit on your lap during the checkup, which helps them feel safe. We ask about feeding, birth history, pacifier use, and anything else that could affect their oral health.
Then we do a gentle exam—checking the gums, lips, tongue, and any teeth that have come in. We look for decay, ties, and normal growth patterns. After that, we offer tips for cleaning your baby’s mouth, choosing a brush, and understanding what to expect as more teeth arrive. There’s time for questions, too—about bottles, thumb habits, teething, or anything else on your mind.
Caring for Your Baby’s Mouth at Home
Daily care doesn’t need to be complicated. At Kids Teeth, we keep it simple and doable. The goal is to give you tools that fit real life—not add stress.
Start With Gum Care
Even before teeth show up, it helps to clean your baby’s gums. Use a soft cloth and gentle swipe after feedings. Once the first tooth breaks through, switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Brush twice a day—morning and right before bed. We’ll show you easy positions that help you hold your baby steady and brush without a fight.
Feeding and Drinks Matter, Too
What your baby eats and drinks touches their teeth all day. Letting them sip on milk or juice over long periods can lead to decay. We help you look at your feeding habits—daytime, nighttime, nursing, bottles—and offer ideas for keeping it tooth-friendly. For example, we explain why it’s better to give juice in a cup during the day, not at bedtime, and how to make water your go-to between meals.
Help With Teething
When your baby starts teething, you’ll probably see more drool, more chewing, and a few fussy days. We talk you through what’s normal and what helps. Safe teething toys, chilled rings (not frozen), and gentle gum massages can all ease discomfort. We also explain what to avoid—like gels with strong ingredients or items that can damage teeth.
Thumbs, Pacifiers, and Soothing Habits
Babies often suck on thumbs or pacifiers to calm themselves. That’s normal. But long-term sucking, especially after age two or three, can shape the position of teeth or affect jaw growth. We track these habits over time and help you ease away from them when the time is right. We give you ideas that match your child’s age and comfort, without pressure or guilt.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the best way to clean a baby’s teeth?
Use a small brush with soft bristles and a grain-of-rice-sized dot of toothpaste. Brush twice a day using gentle circles. Bring your baby in, and we’ll show you exactly how.
How do I know if my baby has a tongue or lip tie?
Some early signs include trouble latching, clicking noises when feeding, or slow weight gain. We check these areas during your visit and explain what we see.
Are white or brown spots on baby teeth bad?
These may be signs of early decay. Set up a visit at Kids Teeth so we can take a look. The sooner we see them, the sooner we can protect your baby’s teeth.
Should I worry if baby teeth come in crooked?
A little space between baby teeth is normal. Crowding might mean less room for adult teeth. We’ll track this during regular visits and tell you if we see something that needs a closer look.
How often should babies see the dentist?
After the first visit, we usually recommend checkups every six months. We adjust that schedule if your child has a higher risk for cavities or other issues.
Can my child see the same dentist each time?
While your child may often see the same dentist, we encourage families to meet all of our pediatric dentists over time. Getting to know the entire care team helps your child feel comfortable with every provider and gives your family more flexibility when scheduling appointments. It also means that if there’s ever an urgent dental need or emergency, your child can be seen quickly by a familiar, trusted doctor—without having to wait for just one specific provider.
What to Do If There’s a Dental Emergency
Sometimes, babies fall or bump their mouths while crawling, playing, or riding in a stroller. If you see bleeding, a loose tooth, swelling, or your baby refuses to eat because of mouth pain, reach out. These may be signs of a tooth injury or infection.
We always have a pediatric dentist on call. Whether it’s day or night, call either of our Mt. Pleasant offices with your concern. During business hours, we keep room open for emergency visits. You’ll never wonder what to do next—we’ll talk you through it and make sure your baby gets the care they need.
We Support Parents, Too
We understand what life looks like with a baby. That’s why we make early infant oral care simple, flexible, and useful — in fact, the first exam is free for infants 18 months and under.
We keep visits relaxed, leave time for questions, and help you create routines you can stick with. Our offices welcome breaks, feedings, and all the wiggly, tired, or nervous parts of being a new family. Our dentists—many of us parents ourselves—take care of what matters and let go of what doesn’t.
At each appointment, we give you just the next few steps, not a long list of tasks. Over time, that focused approach helps your whole family build strong oral health habits that last.
Visit Either of Our Mt. Pleasant Locations for Infant Oral Care
You can schedule early infant oral care at our Johnnie Dodds or Park West office. Both offices serve families across Mt. Pleasant, Charleston County, and nearby communities.
Our Johnnie Dodds office sits near the center of Mt. Pleasant, just a short drive from downtown Charleston, local schools, and major roads. This office works well for families with jobs, daycare, or school pickups in the city.
Our Park West office supports families in North Mt. Pleasant, especially those near Highway 17, growing neighborhoods, and sports fields. It’s a good match for parents who live north of the city and want something close to home and after-school activities. Both spots offer parking, easy access, and child-friendly spaces that reduce stress when bringing babies in for appointments.
Schedule Your Baby’s First Visit With Kids Teeth Today
Don’t wait to start building good dental habits for your baby. These early years matter, and support makes all the difference. With gentle care, clear tips, and appointments that fit your family’s life, we’re here to make it easy. Reach out now and book your baby’s first checkup with one of our Mt. Pleasant pediatric dentists. The first exam is free for infants 18 months or younger.
Let’s work together to protect your child’s smile from the very beginning!