When to Call a Doctor

Home treatment usually helps relieve minor teething symptoms such as discomfort, drooling, and irritability. But talk to your doctor if your child has other symptoms that become severe or last longer than a couple of days.

Also, talk to your doctor about any other teething concerns, such as if your child:

• Is age 18 months and has not had any teeth come in.
• Has visible signs of tooth decay.
• Has permanent teeth coming in before the primary teeth are lost, resulting in a double row of teeth.
• Has a small jaw or a birth defect of the mouth or jaw, such as cleft palate.
• Has any facial injury that has damaged a tooth or gums.

If your doctor considers it necessary, he or she may refer your child to a dentist who specializes in children's teething problems.

Routine Checkup

All children need early and regular dental care. During well-child visits the doctor will check your child's dental health. A visit to a dentist is recommended within 6 months of when your child's first tooth comes in but no later than your child's first birthday.¹

Some parents dread their child's first visit to the dentist's office. You can make a trip to the dentist more positive for your child if you choose his or her dentist carefully. Talk to your child about what to expect. And if you want, use books that are meant to help a young child prepare for the first dental exam. If you have concerns about how your child will behave, talk to your dentist before scheduling the visit. Your dentist may allow your child to come in once or twice before being examined. These types of visits help prepare your child and often make him or her more comfortable with the dentist, other staff, and the office environment.

Regular dental visits are important to teach your child good dental care and to help prevent cavities and other problems. The exam also helps to identify and treat problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. For more information on routine checkups and tooth care, see the topics Basic Dental Care and Tooth Decay.