Visiting the dentist regularly has many benefits, such as promoting good oral health, treat problems early and teach children that oral health is important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should make their child’s first dentist appointment right around their first birthday.
"I know that this seems early, but this timing is important for a couple different reasons," Dr. Alex Mayes Young, a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Lexington, KY, told Latin Times. "First of all, the dentist will evaluate normal development of your child's teeth and be able to give you tips on oral hygiene --Because what one-year-old likes having their teeth brushed?"
"They can also advise you on any questions you may have regarding oral habits, products to use, nutrition, etc." Dr. Mayes added. "Since your child may only have a few teeth at this first appointment, the focus is not a traditional cleaning appointment, but more of a consultation to make sure you are on the right track to keep your child cavity free. Secondly, it is important to be established with a dentist at this time and know their protocol for emergencies since new walkers are at an increased risk for falls and dental trauma."
Dr. Mayes said that once you see that first tooth, you should keep it clean! "Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding your baby, at the very least, wipe the tooth with a clean washcloth, burp cloth, or bib once they have finished that feeding session. As a mama who breastfed, I understand that this is easier said than done- especially at night if your baby falls asleep nursing, but unfortunately babies are not immune to cavities. Believe it or not, the youngest patient I have had to do fillings on was 8 months old! Wiping plaque and excess breastmilk or formula off the teeth will help the enamel stay strong," adviced the specialist.
When should you start brushing your child’s teeth and with what?
"Start brushing with the appearance of the first tooth. If a cloth on your finger works better when your child just has a couple front teeth in, that is sufficient," she explained. "A small, soft-bristled toothbrush can more effectively get into all of the nooks and crannies, especially after the molars start to come into the mouth. Also, for children under three, use a small smear or speck of fluoride toothpaste."
"Even if they don't spit any out, this very small amount will not cause any issues and will greatly reduce your child's risk for cavities. A parent should help their child brush morning and night until they are old enough and have the manual dexterity to tie their own shoes."
Many babies find pacifiers very soothing, but can this affect your baby?
"I always tell my patient's parents that when it's time to quit, a pacifier is much easier to get rid of than a thumb or finger! But pacifier use is actually encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics for soothing and to help reduce risk of SIDS," reveals the doctor.
"As a pediatric dentist, I see a lot of changes to the mouth and teeth from pacifier use for various reasons. Some children use the pacifier too long- ideally, the habit would be gone by one year. Some children use the wrong kind of pacifier. If the pacifier is too small or the wrong shape, it can constrict the roof of the mouth causing a flaring of the front teeth and a cross-bite where the back teeth aren't aligned properly," she added.
"To help minimize this risk, an orthodontic pacifier that supports the palate should be used. Smilo's pacifiers are a great example of this because their shape keeps the upper arch from narrowing, and they are staged in different sizes to provide more support as the mouth grows."
"If your baby is a paci-user, you want to make sure you keep them clean, since bacteria that causes tooth decay, colds, and other illness can be transmitted from parent to child. Never 'clean' your baby's pacifier by putting it in your own mouth, pop it in a disinfecting box, like the one Smilo offers, so you can pop it in the microwave with a bit of water for a sterilized pacifier in just a few minutes," suggests the dentist.
To help your teething baby feel better give your child something to chew on! "Teething can be hard on babies, parents, teachers, siblings, and everyone who comes in contact with the irritable babe! I do not recommend using any sort of numbing gel or teething tablets for your child," warns Dr. Mayes.
"Providing your child with things like a clean teether made of safe (BPA-free) materials, a cold wet washcloth, or a well-designed pacifier (like Smilo's, for example) can give your child a lot of comfort during this time. Tylenol or Motrin (as directed by your pediatrician) can also be helpful, especially before bedtime. Keep in mind that a low-grade fever can come along with teething, but consult your child's pediatrician if the fever is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure nothing else is going on. Otherwise, keep your little one as satisfied as possible. The teething grumpies will be enhanced if your baby is tired, hungry, or gassy. Using a bottle that makes latching easy on your baby and helps decrease air intake can keep an upset tummy from adding to their teething discomfort."
When should parents start worrying if there’s no sign of teething?
According to Dr. Alex, some babies are just on their own schedule with many developmental milestones, and teeth are no exception. "If your child does not have any teeth by 18 months old, consult your child's dentist and/or pediatrician. An extreme delay or lack of tooth eruption can sometimes indicate other systemic issues, like a possible nutritional deficiency or endocrine problem," she says.
A well-balanced diet is key not only for your child's dental health, but their overall health. "I think it is a common misconception than only candy and sweets cause cavities. Keep in mind that frequent snacking, especially carbohydrate-rich snacks like crackers and pretzels, can also cause cavities," said the dentist. "Try to vary the starchy snacks with things that are good for your child's teeth like cheese, baby carrots, and apple slices for example. Also, avoid sodas, sports drinks, and juice to help keep your child cavity free. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, so I consider any fruits and vegetables a win!"
Parents should also pay attention to the gums. "Things like extreme redness or bleeding with brushing is not normal and can be a sign of gingivitis. Any noticeable changes of the gum's color, size, or contour should be evaluated by a dentist because it may indicate an oral infection, a side effect of a medication, or a more serious disease," said Dr. Mayes.
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