How can a kids' dentist help my baby?

Choosing a kids' dentist for your newborn baby may not be

In his book Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, renowned pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock stresses the importance of finding, and getting to know, a kids' dentist shortly after your baby's first tooth erupts -- usually around his first birthday.

"With early preventative visits the dentist is able to detect developing problems in the early stages, when they are solved more easily, painlessly, and inexpensively," Spock writes. "More importantly, your child will have positive early experiences in the dentist's office. By the time she is three, she will be a dentists' office veteran."

Here are just a few reasons to bring your baby to a kids' dentist:

A kids' dentist can spot problems early. As Spock mentions, the best reason to find a dentist early in your child's development is to catch problems in the beginning stages. If your baby is premature, he may have an increased risk of dental problems such as tooth discoloration, enamel hypoplasia, delayed eruption, or orthodontic issues. A kids' dentist may also be able to offer advice or help if your baby's teeth seem to be taking a long time to arrive.

A kids' dentist can tell you what to expect when your baby's teeth come in. Dentists know how teeth develop. And they can predict with some accuracy what kind of teething experience your child will have. By bringing your child to the dentist when his teeth first begin to show up, you can save yourself a lot of anxiety. There's no doubt about it: Your child's teething process will be painful. But your kids' dentist can take a lot of the guesswork out of your parenting. Perhaps he'll recommend a teething gel or an infant acetominophen, or a homeopathic remedy. Whatever the advice, your dentist is a strong ally when your baby begins teething.

A kids' dentist can recommend the right gear.  As your child gets older, buying him a musical toothbrush, or a toothbrush with his favorite cartoon characters on it, may increase his desire to brush. But it's also important to make sure your child's toothbrush does the job right.An adult toothbrush with strong bristles isn't right for your child. A pediatric dentist can provide the right kind of toothbrush for your child, and tell you what to buy in the future.

A kids' dentist can teach your kids the right techniques. By the time your child is about two, he may want to start brushing and flossing on his own. If you've been taking him to a kids' dentist regularly, he'll be more likely to trust that dentist when it's time to start seeking advice. You'll still need to help your child until he's about five or six years old, but with your dentist's help, you'll be able to start good oral heath habits that'll last a lifetime.