Infants can benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist when primary teeth begin to erupt. Primary teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth and should receive the same attention, including appropriate home care.
Primary teeth are crucial to a baby's health and development. Therefore, dentists encourage parents to begin an infant's oral hygiene routine as soon as possible to:
A healthy mouth can help a child reach critical milestones and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Parents who begin an oral care regimen during a child's infancy inspire a lifetime of good habits. Consulting with a pediatric dentist for oral hygiene tips suitable for babies can help parents apply the most effective techniques.
An oral hygiene routine can begin before a baby's first teeth erupt because the mouth can harbor bacteria that can compromise new teeth. Still, parents can minimize the risk for potential damage by cleaning the gums using a soft, damp cloth or a toothbrush designed for infants.
Brushing can begin when a baby's teeth start to come through the gums. Parents can brush small teeth using water or a tiny bit of child-friendly toothpaste about the size of a rice grain. Although parents can wipe away excess toothpaste that a baby cannot spit out, no harm will come from swallowing such a small amount. In any case, maintaining a playful, stress-free attitude will making brushing less intimidating for infants.
Tooth decay can happen at any age, and it is common among babies who frequently drink sugary beverages, including fruit juices, from bottles. Pediatric dentists recommend that infants not drink sweet drinks before falling asleep when reduced saliva flow can cause sugars to settle on teeth and promote decay. In addition, a bottle or pacifier in a sleeping infant's mouth can promote bacteria on the gums and teeth.
Dentists recommend that parents introduce healthy eating habits when infants can take solid foods at around six months old. For example, avoiding starches, sweets, and sticky foods that cling to the teeth can minimize decay and help children develop a lifelong taste for healthy choices.
Infants' mouths do not have as much exposure to bacteria-promoting foods and other substances as adults' mouths. Dentists advise parents to avoid sharing spoons with infants at mealtimes to prevent exposing baby teeth to decay-promoting bacteria.
An infant's first dental appointment can occur within six months of the first tooth's appearance. At this time, a dentist may perform a gentle cleaning, check jaw structure, gums, and bite, and educate parents about the importance of caring for primary teeth and fluoride.
It is never too soon to begin promoting oral hygiene. Parents unfamiliar with caring for infants' primary teeth can consult with a pediatric dentist for helpful oral hygiene tips.
Request an appointment here: https://tinyteethpediatricdentistry.com or call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry at (516) 243-1364 for an appointment in our Mineola office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Mineola, NY.
A knocked out baby tooth can result from a collision, fall, or game. It can be devastating to see your child come to you with a tooth gap. The first thing to do is stay calm. Caring for the tooth is important for re-implantation. If you want to know how to care for your child’s…
When parents hear that the kids need to have a root canal, their minds begin to race. Why do the kids need this procedure? Isn’t the root canal painful? Is there no other way to save the tooth? Why did it happen in the first place? Parents might have to look at the family’s eating…
Neglecting good oral care is a habit that too many people fall into. This can happen with teens and adults alike. However, young children frequently struggle with these everyday activities. The consequences can be severe and have long-term effects. As a parent, you need to help with a few essential steps so your son or…
Flossing is as important as toothbrushing. It can remove food particles and bacteria between teeth. It can take some time to floss your child’s baby teeth. Forming this routine can help baby teeth stay intact until permanent teeth emerge. If you want to know more about flossing and baby teeth, here are the details. Plaque…