Being a new parent can be overwhelming – especially when it’s your first baby. There are all kinds of products, appointments, and milestones to remember and monitor. It’s easy to forget something. Since babies aren’t born with teeth, it makes sense that parents may not think about their oral health.
Mouth and Gum Care
Just because your little bundle of joy may not have teeth for most of their first year, it’s still important to keep their mouth and gums clean. Gently cleanse your baby’s mouth and gums with a damp cloth. This should be done every day to help keep their mouth free from bacteria. If you are breast feeding, it’s also important to clean your child’s mouth after every nursing session. Just because you can’t brush or floss your baby’s teeth yet, daily mouth cleanings will help establish good oral habits for the future.
Baby Teeth Basics
A very common question that parents have is when their baby’s teeth will begin to come in. Just like you can’t predict exactly when a baby will walk or talk, there isn’t a definite answer as to when their first tooth will erupt. Generally, most babies will start cutting teeth between 6 and 12 months old. Once teeth start coming in, it’s important to brush with appropriately sized infant toothbrush. Carefully brushing your baby’s teeth will help prevent plaque build-up. And did you know that an infant toothbrush can also be used as a teething toy?!
The Importance of Baby Teeth
It is a common misconception that baby teeth don’t matter because they eventually fall out. But that couldn’t be more wrong. Being able to eat and chew their food is the most obvious reason that it’s important for kids to have healthy baby teeth. Baby teeth also have an impact on the health of permanent teeth. Prematurely missing or decayed baby teeth can lead to problems for developing permanent teeth and sometimes their speech.
First Dental Appointment
It is recommended by the American Dental Association, that a child has their first dental exam after their first tooth erupts. A baby should see a pediatric dentist no later than their first birthday. It may seem like a baby is too young at that point, but early detection is key in good lifelong oral health. It can also help your child get used to visiting the dentist.
Pediatric Dentist in Conway, Arkansas
Choosing the right health providers for your new baby is most certainly important. Pediatric dentists are the best choice when it comes to your baby or child’s dental health. In addition to regular dental school, pediatric dentists have years of extra training. They are able to see and monitor dental health concerns that are specific to infants and children that a general dentist may miss. Keeping your baby’s mouth clean isn’t hard, but it is important. Setting up GROOVY habits now will prep both you and your child for good oral health throughout their life. Follow the above tips and happy healthy smiles should be a breeze.