Infant Dental Care Your baby deserves the best, and it doesn’t get better than a board-certified pediatric dental specialist. Our specialists recommend seeing your baby by their first tooth, or first birthday, whichever comes first! This appointment is the best thing you can do for your baby to prevent cavities for the rest of their life. Advantages of Infant Oral Care Visits Include:
We recommend both mom and dad come to their baby’s first visit. Our doctor will examine your baby’s teeth, check for decay, make sure teeth are erupting in the right order, screen all the oral tissues for diseases, determine proper jaw development and give valuable information on infant oral care and proper nutrition. Ask about our free new patient exam offer for new patients under three years old. Learn More About Caring For Your Baby's Teeth: Cleaning Your Infant’s Teeth and GumsAs pediatric specialists, we want to dispel the common misconception that infant dental care begins when your child’s first tooth erupts. All infants can benefit from daily oral cleanings. Before your child’s first teeth erupt, you should clean their mouth with water and a washcloth or gauze, especially after feedings. After your child’s primary (baby) teeth erupt, you can switch to a toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to use a soft-bristle baby toothbrush approved by the ADA and a fluoride toothpaste. Brush their teeth after each feeding and at bedtime for the most effective results. Your Child’s First AppointmentThe first visit is typically short and simple. We will perform a comprehensive exam to look for any potential problems with the teeth, gums, and jaw. We may also perform a cleaning depending on your child’s age and oral health status. Be sure to ask any questions and voice concerns. This first appointment is largely educational. We may need to show you the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. The goal is to prevent potential problems before they occur. If we notice the early signs of tooth decay or gum disease, we will recommend making improvements to their oral routine and diet. Early tooth decay can cause several complications later down the road. The primary teeth help your child speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely due to tooth decay, it can create eruption issues such as crooked or misaligned teeth. Baby Bottle Tooth DecayBaby bottle tooth decay occurs when your infant’s teeth are frequently exposed to drinks that contain sugar. For this reason, you should never put your infant to sleep with a bottle that contains anything but water. Baby bottle tooth decay most often occurs in the upper anterior (front) teeth. Thumb, Finger, and Pacifier HabitsThumb, finger, and pacifier sucking is completely normal for infants. This type of behavior is a natural reflex that often helps infants fall asleep or feel more comfortable. However, these habits can become a problem as your child grows older. According to the American Dental Association, you should discourage sucking habits by the age of four. Consistent or excessive sucking habits can lead to changes in their teeth and even affect their permanent bite. If this becomes an issue for your child, our doctors can help you change their habits with useful tips. Schedule An AppointmentIf your child has just received their first tooth, it is time to schedule an appointment. Call 916-773-6565 to schedule an initial consultation today! |
