Trusted Choice for Dentistry for Babies
Tiny Teeth, Tender Care
Your baby's smile starts long before their first tooth ever breaks through. At Turley Dental, we specialize in preventative dental care for infants from as early as 2 months old, guiding parents through every milestone: teething, first teeth, first checkups, and the healthy habits that follow your child for life.
We know that walking into a dental office with an infant can feel intimidating. That's exactly why our approach is built around comfort, patience, and education, for both baby and parent. There are no drills, no pressure, and no judgment here. Just a warm, surf-themed office and a team that genuinely loves this stage of a child's life.
Why Dentistry for Babies Matters So Early
It's a question we hear often: “My baby barely has any teeth. Why do we need a dentist yet?” It's a fair question, and a great one to ask.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that every child see a dentist by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. Starting this early isn't about finding problems. It's about preventing them.
An early infant dental exam lets Dr. Patricia Turley catch feeding-related decay risks, monitor jaw and bite development, and answer the questions every new parent has about teething, pacifiers, and brushing, well before small concerns have a chance to become bigger ones. And because pediatric dentistry and orthodontics live under one roof at Turley Dental, any early signs of spacing or bite concerns can be discussed on the spot, without a referral or a second office.
Gentle dentistry for babies, from their very first tooth to their very first checkup, right here in Manhattan Beach.
From your baby's very first gentle exam to their first cavity-prevention treatment, here's how we support healthy smiles from the start:
Infant Oral Health Exams
A relaxed, unhurried first look at your baby's mouth, gums, and developing teeth, done using a comfortable “knee-to-knee” position so your baby stays close to you the entire time.
Gentle visual exam of gums, teeth, and oral tissue
Bite and jaw development check
Risk assessment for early tooth decay
A calm, judgment-free space for first-time parents to ask anything
Teething & Gum Care Guidance
Teething can be tough on babies and parents alike. We'll walk you through what's normal, what helps, and what to watch for.
Safe, effective teething relief tips
Guidance on swelling, drooling, and fussiness
What to expect as each tooth erupts
When teething discomfort needs a closer look
Oral Hygiene Coaching for Parents
You don't need teeth to start good habits. We'll show you exactly how to care for your baby's mouth at every stage.
How to clean gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear
Proper brushing technique once teeth erupt
Safe fluoride toothpaste amounts for infants
Guidance on bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, and sippy-cup habits
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Prevention
One of the most common and preventable issues we see in infants. We'll help you avoid it entirely.
Education on nighttime bottle and prolonged nursing risks
Safe alternatives for soothing at bedtime
Early detection of white-spot lesions or early decay
A judgment-free conversation about feeding schedules
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for Baby Teeth
If early decay is spotted in baby teeth, SDF offers a gentle, non-invasive way to stop it in its tracks, no drilling, numbing, or stress required.
A quick, painless brush-on treatment
Ideal for very young children not yet ready for fillings
Highly effective at halting early-stage cavities
A calm option for anxious parents and babies alike
Pacifier & Thumb-Sucking Guidance
Sucking habits are completely normal in infancy. We'll help you understand what's healthy and when it's worth a conversation.
What's developmentally normal at each age
Signs that a habit may start affecting the bite
Gentle strategies for when the time comes to stop
What to Expect at Your Baby's First Visit
Your baby's first appointment is short, relaxed, and designed to build a positive foundation, not a stressful memory. We'll review your baby's health history, talk through feeding and teething, gently examine their mouth, and send you home with a simple, personalized care plan.
Dentistry for Babies at Every Stage
Every month brings something new. Here's what to expect as your baby grows:
Newborns & Pre-Teething (0–6 Months)
Begin wiping gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
Discuss feeding habits, breastfeeding, or bottle routines with our team
Ask questions early; there's no such thing as “too soon”
Teething & First Tooth (6–12 Months)
Schedule your baby's first dental visit within 6 months of their first tooth
Start brushing with a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste
Get guidance on teething discomfort and safe relief options
Discuss weaning off nighttime bottles to prevent decay
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Begin regular 6-month checkups and cleanings
Monitor all 20 baby teeth as they come in
Address pacifier or thumb-sucking habits if needed
Start age-appropriate independent brushing habits together
The Turley Difference
At Turley Dental, your baby's very first dental visit is also the beginning of a relationship that can carry your family for decades. As your child grows, from baby teeth to braces, the same trusted team is here for every stage. Because pediatric dentistry and orthodontics live under one roof, early signs of crowding, bite issues, or jaw development concerns are never a “wait and see” conversation. They're addressed immediately by Dr. Patricia Turley and our orthodontic specialists together.
It's why families across Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, and Torrance have trusted us with two generations of smiles, starting from their very first tooth.
Give Your Baby's Smile the Best Start
Whether your little one just got their first tooth or you're simply not sure when to start, we're here to help, warmly, gently, and without judgment. Dentistry for babies is one of the simplest, most valuable investments you can make in your child's long-term health.
Call us at (310) 643-0125, or book an appointment online. We welcome families from Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and the greater South Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your baby's first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting, whichever happens first. Starting early helps us catch potential concerns before they become problems and gets your baby comfortable with dental visits from day one.
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Not at all. Even before teeth appear, we can check your baby's gums and oral development, and answer questions about teething, feeding, and gum care. Many parents find this early visit reassuring, and it sets the stage for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
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Gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze after feedings and before bed. This removes bacteria and gets your baby used to having their mouth cared for, which makes the transition to brushing much smoother once teeth arrive.
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Baby bottle tooth decay happens when sugary liquids, including milk and formula, sit on a baby's teeth for long periods, often from nighttime bottles or extended nursing. To help prevent it, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, and start wiping teeth or gums after feedings. We're always happy to talk through your specific feeding routine at a visit.
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Not at this age. Sucking habits are completely normal and even comforting for infants and toddlers. Most children naturally stop by age 4. If the habit continues past age 5, it can begin to affect tooth alignment, and we can offer gentle, judgment-free strategies to help when the time comes.
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Yes, very much so. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and hold space for their permanent teeth to come in correctly. Losing a baby tooth too early, from decay or injury, can lead to crowding, spacing issues, and alignment problems down the road. Healthy baby teeth set the foundation for a healthy adult smile.