McIlwain Pediatric Dentistry

Starting at Age 1

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.

Trauma to the teeth of a young patient

Dr. Leigh Ann McIlwain performing a "knee-to-knee" exam with a one year old patient and mother's help.

Pleasant First Visit

When the child is seen at one year, the first visit can be pleasant and uneventful, introducing the child and parents to the dental office. Emphasis is on the developmental assessment of the child’s oral health. Caries (tooth decay) or developmental disturbances can be managed early. Fluoride varnish may be applied to counteract beginning decay on newly erupted teeth.

Preparation for a lifetime of good health starts early!

Five Steps for Baby’s First Dental Visit


Step 1 Clinical Examination by age 12 months	• Complete medical history • Knee-to-knee exam • Note clinical dental caries • Soft tissue irregularities • White-spot lesions, tongue anatomy • Enamel decalcification, hypoplasia • Dietary staining

Step 2 Caries Risk Assessment	• Bottle or breast fed at night on demand • Non-water in bedtime bottle • Decalcification/caries present • No oral home care • Sugary foods, snacks

Step 3 Diet Counseling for Infants	• No juice or milk in bed • Sippy cups can encourage decay • Avoid sugar drinks, sodas • Encourage variety and a balanced diet • Low-sugar snacks • Fluorides – topical and systemic

Step 4 Oral Home Care for Infants	• Brush/massage teeth and gums 2x daily • Small, soft toothbrush • Tiny amount of toothpaste, with Fluoride • Guidance on thumb sucking, pacifier • Response for home accidents, trauma

Step 5 Future visits	• Based on Risk Assessment • At age one year • Two years if delayed in development

Caries Facts in Infants:

Early childhood caries (tooth decay) is an infectious and preventable disease that is transmitted from mothers or other intimate caregivers to infants. Decay is passed from mother to child from generation to generation. A thorough overview of diet, fluoride uptake, and hygiene can decrease the bacterial levels responsible for the decay. Recent evidence suggests that the use of xylitol chewing gum by mother (4 pieces per day) has a significant impact on decreasing the child’s caries rate.

McIlwain Dentistry
4710 N. Habana Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614 Ph. (813) 879-8097
26908 Foggy Creek Road, Suite 23, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Ph. (813) 991-9893