Infant oral care is the practice of caring for and maintaining an infant’s oral health, and it all begins with the very first tooth. Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is dedicated to providing the best infant oral care to keep your baby’s teeth and gums strong and healthy. Learn more about the importance of infant oral care and how our Pembroke Pines, FL practice can help by reading below!
The Importance Of Infant Oral Care
Good oral health starts from an early age, and it is important for parents to begin caring for their infant’s teeth as soon as they start to come in. Establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine at an early age is essential for preventing cavities and other dental issues, as well as instilling healthy habits as your child grows older and begins to recognize the hygiene process.
While it may seem like infant oral care is unnecessary, or it’s too early to begin, early attention actually plays an important role in your baby’s overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of serious health issues, including gum disease and infection, which can cause pain and discomfort. By prioritizing their oral health now, you can avoid potential problems in the future.
Why Parents Need Pediatric Professionals
As parents, we recognize that it is easy to become preoccupied with the multitude of tasks that go into caring for an infant, and it can be overwhelming to keep track of their oral hygiene. That’s why Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has dedicated professionals who are trained to provide the best care for your child’s oral health.
Our team will help you create an easy-to-follow oral health routine for your infant, and will also provide regular checkups to ensure your baby’s teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. Part of our training as pediatric professionals also includes educating parents on the importance of infant oral care, so that they can better understand how to keep their baby’s teeth and gums healthy. As pediatric professionals, you can expect the following from us when it comes to infant care:
- Regular check-ups: Our team will provide regular check-ups to ensure that your baby’s teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.
- Education: We will provide you with the necessary information to understand how to maintain your baby’s oral health at home, as well as answer any questions you may have.
- Professional advice: Our team is well-equipped to provide professional advice and guidance on how to create the best oral hygiene routine for your infant.
What We Do
At our Pembroke Pines, FL practice, we strive to provide the best infant oral care and take the necessary steps to ensure that your baby’s teeth and gums are healthy. Our team will create an individualized plan for your infant’s oral health needs and will make sure to address any concerns that you may have. We also strive to create an inviting atmosphere for your little one and make sure that they have a positive experience when coming to our office.
Below, you will find a number of common oral health concerns that we address as a part of infant dentistry in our office. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to know more about our infant oral care services.
Teething
Teething is the process by which a baby’s teeth start to come in. Our team can provide advice and guidance on how to help your little one manage the discomfort associated with teething; this includes suggestions such as:
- Using a cold teething ring or cloth
- Massaging the gums with a clean finger
- Giving the baby cold liquids to drink
As the teeth begin to emerge from the gum tissue, it will become imperative that parents have a hygiene routine in place to keep the teeth protected from decay. In infants, this may involve wiping the gums with a damp cloth after each feeding. We may also suggest buying an infant toothbrush to get them familiar with the process of having their first teeth cleaned.
Thumb-Sucking
The prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles can cause the roof of a baby’s mouth to become misshapen and their teeth to grow in crooked. Thumb-sucking, while seemingly harmless, can also cause similar problems, leading to the need for corrective orthodontic procedures. Our team is trained to monitor the development of a baby’s teeth and can provide guidance and advice on how to avoid problems caused by prolonged sucking.
Thumb-sucking is considered a normal process that will typically cease naturally around the age of four. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb beyond this age, it may be necessary to take corrective action. This may include the following:
- Making sure your child has an adequate amount of soothing and comfort items, such as a stuffed animal or blanket
- style=”font-weight: 400;”>Offering praise when they don’t suck their thumb
- Providing a distraction, such as reading or playing games
- Redirecting their attention when they do suck their thumb
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and prolonged exposure of an infant’s teeth to sugary liquids—such as milk, formula, or juice. In order to avoid this type of decay, it is important to monitor the length of time that these liquids are in contact with the baby’s teeth and to limit the amount of sugary beverages they consume.
Our team can provide suggestions on how to prevent this type of decay, as well as recommend ways to maintain an effective hygiene routine. This can include cleaning the teeth immediately after feedings, restricting sugary liquids, and using water in a bottle as opposed to other fluids.
We understand that your baby’s dental health is of the utmost importance and are committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment for them to receive care. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our infant oral care services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
