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://pediatric-dental-arts.com or call Pediatric Dental Arts at (617) 924-1911 for an appointment in our Watertown office.
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