Infant Oral Care

Going to the dentist for regular routine checkups might be second nature to you, but what about your infant? When should they start going to the dentist? What should you be doing to care for your baby’s teeth and gums? These are probably questions that you have asked yourself at one point or another. Luckily, we here at Dr. Maggie Davis’ pediatric dental office are here to help. We understand that oral care for infants is often a new and unknown territory for most parents. That is why we have created a guide that will help you learn when you should be taking your child to the dentist and what you should be doing in terms of oral care.

When Should Your Infant Make His or Her First Visit to the Dentist?

So many parents believe that their child doesn’t need to visit the dentist until almost all of their baby teeth grow in. This line of thinking can create a number of problems as your child isn’t getting the preventative oral care they need. To prevent potential problems, it is recommended that you take your infant to the dentist around the time their teeth start to break through the gums. This usually happens around six months, but every child is different and it may happen sooner or later. Scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist when your child’s teeth start to break through the gums can help detect any problem early on. A pediatric dentist will be able to not only monitor the growth and alignment of your child’s teeth, but he or she can look for any cavities or tooth decay that may occur on these baby teeth. If your child’s teeth have not started growing by the time he or she turns one, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. He or she can conduct an examination to determine if there is any particular reason why the teeth have not started to grow.

Oral Care Tips for Infants

Caring for your infant’s teeth isn’t difficult as long as you know what to do. The following are some tips on how to care for your infant’s teeth and gums:

• Clean your infant’s gums even before the first tooth erupts. This can be done with a damp piece of gauze or washcloth. Just get it wet and run it all along your child’s lower and upper gums. Do this after every feeding and it will help remove any bacteria that is left behind from the formula, juice, or milk.
• Brush your child’s teeth at least three times a day the minute they start breaking through the gum. Brush their teeth with a child’s soft-bristled brush and some water. If you wish to use toothpaste, only use a tiny smear. You don’t want to give them more than the recommended amount.  
• Avoid giving your child a bottle at naptime or while they are sleeping. The juice or milk in the bottle can slowly start to eat away at your child’s teeth.
• Watch your child for signs of discomfort while his or her teeth grow in. If your child is uncomfortable, use a teething ring or wipe the gums down with cool water. This will provide some pain relief for your child.
• Schedule regular appointments with a pediatric dentist from the moment your child’s first tooth start to erupt through the gums. A pediatric dentist can monitor tooth growth and provide early treatment for any dental problems your infant may encounter.

This oral care for infants guide should give you a better understanding of when your infant should see a dentist and how you, as parents, should be caring for your child’s teeth. However, you may still have questions that are left unanswered. If you have any questions, feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment. During your appointment, our friendly dental staff will be willing to answer any questions you may have. We will even conduct a comprehensive oral exam for your child as well as provide you with advice on how to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Call our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and your child.