INFANT DENTAL CARE

Specialized infant dental care for the youngest members of your family

NEWBORN CARE

You may be surprised to know that babies need dental care even before the first tooth erupts. All infants can benefit from daily oral cleanings. You can begin good oral hygiene habits by placing a clean, damp gauze or soft washcloth around your finger and gently rubbing it across your baby’s gum tissue twice a day. This will help prevent bacteria buildup and remove any lingering formula or milk. This early infant dental care will form a great foundation for oral health as your baby grows.

INFANT DENTAL CARE

Did you know that infant dental care is just as important as dental care at any age? Between the ages of 6 months to 1 year, your baby’s teeth will begin to erupt. At this time, you can move to using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove food particles and milk residue to prevent the bacteria buildup that causes decay.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TEETHING IN INFANTS

Teething usually begins between 4-7 months of age, but some babies don’t get their first tooth until 12 months. Teething is a process that can start many weeks before you actually see a tooth bud erupt. The symptoms of teething can come and go as the new teeth migrate through the gum tissue, making it somewhat of a “rollercoaster ride” with good days and harder days. Symptoms of teething can vary greatly between babies and may include:

  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Wanting to chew on hard things
  • Increased drool – more than average
  • Changes or interrupted sleep patterns
  • Fussiness and crying
  • Possible tugging on ears or rubbing the cheek area

Teething can be quite uncomfortable for some babies. Some ways you can try to ease this discomfort and promote infant dental care include:

  • Refrigerating a pacifier
  • Unsweetened teething crackers
  • Massaging the gums with a cool washcloth
  • Cool water from a sippy cup
  • Clean teething rings

It is normal for your baby to want to chew on everything including his hands and your hands for that matter. Be sure to wipe the excess drool away from the baby’s face to prevent a rash and make sure whatever your baby puts in his/her mouth is clean.

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Infant dental care

BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

Perhaps the most important and preventable dental issue for babies is “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” also known as early childhood dental caries (or cavities). This condition can occur if the baby falls asleep (either at night or during naptime) with his/her bottle containing milk, formula or juice. The sugar in these liquids can stick to the teeth and cause decay.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies do not take a bottle to bed. In order to promote infant dental hygiene, there are steps you can take! However, it is true that sucking is a normal part of development that is soothing for babies. If your baby has a strong need to suck, we encourage you to give a pacifier instead. This will help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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