In the whirlwind that is parenting, infant oral health can sometimes slip through the cracks. However, the road to a lifetime of strong oral health begins before a person’s first tooth has even emerged.
Prioritizing your baby’s developing teeth and gums contributes to their overall well-being. Also, by committing to a baby’s oral health early on, parents begin to lay the foundation for strong oral hygiene practices as the child grows up.
Today, we’re taking a look at the challenges of infant oral health and laying out some best practices for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Challenges of Infant Oral Health
Without teeth, it's easy to assume that oral care is unnecessary. However, caring for an infant's oral health is vital and presents a particular set of challenges.
Even before teeth erupt, the mouth is a thriving environment for bacteria. And, with the introduction of solid food into a child’s diet, the risks of residue buildup and cavities rise.
Establishing proper cleaning routines for an infant can be tricky, as they’re often averse to new sensations (like a toothbrush) and unable to communicate these feelings.
Tips for Infant Oral Health
- From the start, gently clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and residual milk.
- When the first tooth arrives, use a soft-bristle baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit sugary snacks and juices.
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Once your child is ready, typically around age two, encourage supervised self-brushing.
- Discourage prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking to prevent potential dental issues later on.
- Schedule a dental appointment around your child's first birthday to ensure their oral development is on track.
Discover Infant Oral Health in Apple Valley, MN
If you’re in the Apple Valley area and want an experienced dental team by your side to guide you and your baby throughout the crucial early stages of dental development and lay the groundwork for a lifetime of oral health, contact dentists Dr. Katie Nordeen and Dr. Kyle Nordeen to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment!