Infant Dentistry in Hallandale Beach, FL
WHY SHOULD MY BABY SEE THE DENTIST?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see the dentist by their first birthday. Primary or baby teeth typically begin to erupt by 6 months of age, and it’s important to have your infant’s first teeth examined by a board-certified pediatric dentist to ensure their oral health is on the right track.
DID YOU KNOW...
Your baby’s teeth started to develop before they were born.
BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Rest assured that your child is receiving top- notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
DENTISTRY WITH A MOM'S HEART
As a dentist with children of her own, Dr. Garber possess valuable personal experience dealing with kids of all ages. This unique perspective allows her to approach young patients with empathy and understanding, ensuring a comfortable dental experience. Having faced the challenges of instilling good oral hygiene habits in their own kids, she can also provide supportive guidance for maintaining excellent dental health.
WE SPEAK SPANISH
We seek to cultivate an atmosphere where every family feels welcome, appreciated, and right at home. That's why Dr. Garber is proud to provide the highest standard of patient care in both English and Spanish!
First visit is free for child under 2 years old
- Exam
- Nutritional Guidance
- Hygiene Tips
KICKSTART THEIR ORAL HEALTH JOURNEY
Set your little one’s smile up for success with a complimentary visit!
THE BENEFITS OF IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE
THE BENEFITS OF INFANT DENTISTRY
Fear and anxiety can occur when a toddler or child is unfamiliar with “going to the dentist”. By starting appointments early, you and your baby can get comfortable in our office, get to know our team, and feel at ease knowing we are here to provide comfortable, quality care.
PROPER NUTRITION GUIDANCE
Your dentist will provide tips and recommendations on the best foods for your baby’s overall oral health. Our team will also go over important nutritional information, such as the negative effects of sugary drinks, gummy snacks, and putting a child to sleep with milk in their bottle.
DENTAL HYGIENE SUPERVISION
Caring for your baby’s smile is a bit different than caring for your own! We understand that it can be tough to brush their teeth, especially when they are not cooperative, but we’ll share strategies to make it fun for everyone!
THE INFANT DENTISTRY TREATMENT PROCESS
MEETING YOU & YOUR CHILD
Your Hallandale Beach pediatric dentist will begin your child’s first appointment by getting to know you and your little one a little better. They may ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health, such as when their first teeth came in and their current oral care routine. This information will allow your doctor to provide more specialized care.
COUNTING YOUR BABY’S TEETH
Next, your child’s dentist will “count” your infant’s teeth and examine their mouths, looking for any potential signs of developmental issues or decay. This will provide them with insights on how your child’s mouth is developing as they grow.
EXAMINING THEIR GUMS
Your dentist will also examine your child’s gums. While gum disease is rare in infants, inflammation and irritation can still occur, so it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible. Once the exam is finished, your dentist will discuss with you your child’s oral health and offer advice on how to keep their teeth healthy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are baby teeth so important?
Baby teeth fall out naturally, so why is it so important to keep your child’s baby teeth healthy? Well, decayed and damaged baby teeth can be very painful and uncomfortable, and lead to serious oral health complications, just like adult teeth.
But beyond this, the baby teeth provide the “path” that the adult teeth will follow when they begin to erupt. If your child’s baby teeth are decayed or they lose a baby tooth earlier than they’re supposed to, this could lead to further oral development issues as your child grows.
Are x-rays safe for toddlers?
Yes. X-rays are safe for children of all ages. The latest x-ray technology uses minimal radiation, and all patients are given protective equipment to reduce their exposure. That said, your child will only need to get x-rays if their dentist believes they may have a hidden dental issue that can’t be detected with a visual exam alone.
Why is it important to establish a dental home?
A “dental home” is the dental office where your child will receive the majority of their dental care as they grow. There are a few reasons why a dental home is important. First, your child will be able to develop a real, meaningful relationship with their dentist and with the staff at our office. They will feel safer and more comfortable during their appointment and become more familiar with the basics of dentistry. This can help reduce feelings of discomfort, fear, and anxiety, and prevent them from developing dental anxiety later in life.
In addition, if your child sees the same dentist regularly, they will receive more productive dental care. Their pediatric dentist will understand the unique oral health challenges that your child may face and will be able to take steps to provide specialized care. For example, if your child is cavity-prone and develops tooth decay at a young age, their doctor may recommend a more diligent at-home oral care routine, along with regular fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants.
When should my child see the dentist for the first time?
The current recommendation of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) is that you take your child to the dentist for an appointment whenever their first tooth erupts or when they reach the age of 1, whichever happens first. While this may seem early, seeing a dentist regularly and establishing a “dental home” early has a number of great benefits.
Is my baby's first visit really free?
Yes! We offer a complimentary first visit for children under 2, which includes an exam plus nutritional and hygiene guidance – a warm, no-pressure way to start your baby’s oral health journey in Hallandale Beach.
What actually happens at my baby's first dental visit?
It’s gentle and quick: Dr. Garber gets to know you and your baby, counts and examines the new teeth, checks the gums, and shares tips on cleaning and nutrition. Many exams are done knee-to-knee, so your little one stays comfortable in your lap.
How do I clean my baby's gums and first teeth at home?
Before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once the first tooth erupts, brush it with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Should I be worried about baby bottle tooth decay?
Yes, it’s worth preventing. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, since sugars pooling around the teeth overnight can cause decay. We’ll show you simple habits to protect that new smile.
When do baby teeth usually come in?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though it varies. If you have questions about teething or the order in which teeth are coming in, we’re glad to take a look.
How can I tell if it's just teething or something I should worry about?
Mild fussiness, drooling, and wanting to chew are normal with teething. A high fever, diarrhea, or being very unwell is not caused by teething, so check with your pediatrician if those occur.
Does my breastfed baby still need to see a dentist?
Yes. Breastfed babies still need dental checkups, and frequent nighttime feeding without wiping their teeth can contribute to decay. We’ll give you personalized guidance to keep their smile healthy.
My baby seems tongue-tied and struggles to latch - can you help?
Possibly. A tight band of tissue (tongue- or lip-tie) can make latching difficult. Dr. Garber can evaluate it and, if needed, perform a simple frenectomy. Call (954) 526-4884 to set up an evaluation.
Do you speak Spanish with new parents?
Yes. Dr. Garber provides care in both English and Spanish, so new parents from across our community feel welcome and fully informed.
Do you see infants from Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles, and Bal Harbour?
Yes. New parents bring their babies to our Hallandale Beach office from Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, and nearby neighborhoods.