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Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Infant Oral Health
A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Starts Here

Oral health care begins in infancy, and our pediatric dentists in Apple Valley are here to support you and provide the treatment your child needs.

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Infant Dental Care in Apple Valley, MN

At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in providing age-appropriate care for children at every age and every stage of their dental development, starting in infancy. We recommend infants have a dental exam shortly after their first teeth erupt or by age one, whichever comes first.

Many parents are curious to know what kind of oral health care we can provide at this young age. But the fact is that it’s never too early to set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

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The Importance of Infant Oral Health

We often get questions from parents about when they should bring their children to our dental office. At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe monitoring children in all stages of their dental development is essential. That’s why we recommend a dental exam after your child’s first tooth comes in. Here are some of the reasons infant oral health is so important:

Healthy Tooth Development

When your child begins receiving dental care as an infant, it allows us to monitor their tooth development. Then, if we have concerns, we can intervene early and recommend the least invasive treatment option for your little one’s smile.

Pain-Free Dental Experiences

We never want your child to feel pain or discomfort, so we use the most minimally invasive dental procedures. Bringing your child to our dental office when they’re an infant allows us to identify and correct dental issues comfortably.

Overall Health and Well-Being

Your child’s overall health and well-being are our top priority! We believe it’s never too early to start teaching them about proper oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular dental care, and eating healthy foods.

  • Kid First Dental Visit

    First Dental Visit Free for Children Under 2

     

    This dental special at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics includes a free exam, teeth cleaning, and fluoride varnish.

    To learn more about this special, please contact our friendly dental office at (952) 715-6177.

Your Child's First Dental Visit at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

smiling infant holding hands with parents l infant dental care happy valley mn

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you establish a “dental home” for your child by age one to ensure that they receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.

Dental visits at this age also help us to start developing a rapport with your child so that we can provide them with a positive experience. It’s also essential for developing an individualized prevention plan, reviewing oral hygiene and dietary questions with parents, and discussing "anticipatory guidance," or what to expect over the next several months and years as your child grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

father holding child smiling l children's dentist near meThis is one of the first questions parents ask, right after they ask why we start seeing children at such an early age. As to why we recommend pediatric dental exams at this age, the answer is that we need to start to monitor the development of their baby teeth. The answer to how we conduct dental exams or cleanings at this age is that we perform them in a comfortable knee-to-knee position.

Calm & Comfortable Pediatric Dentistry in Apple Valley, MN

In this position, you and the pediatric dentist in Apple Valley, MN sit knee-to-knee. Your baby is laying in your lap facing you, with their head positioned so that our dentist can see inside their mouth. Not only is this position comfortable and reassuring for your little one but it also allows you to participate in the appointment. Since both you and the dentist can see inside your child’s mouth, it’s also a very helpful position for demonstrating to parents how to best care for their child’s teeth.

If you worry about how your child will react and whether or not they’ll be receptive, trust us to proceed at their own pace and in the comfort of their own boundaries. That is why the knee-to-knee examination is beneficial for so many children—throughout the appointment, they can maintain eye contact with you that helps put them at ease.

Call Us To Schedule Your Child's Dental Appointment

We recommend dental examinations starting at age one, but we are always happy to see younger children too. If you have a concern about your infant’s oral health or pediatric dentistry in general, please don’t hesitate to call our Apple Valley dental office to schedule an appointment.

Yes! Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics recommends using fluoridated toothpaste withtwo children playing on a swing l infant dental care apple valley mn the eruption of a child’s first tooth. The amount of fluoride toothpaste used is the most important factor in ensuring optimal health benefits while limiting any potential risks. For children under 3, we recommend brushing two times per day with just a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice on their toothbrush. Children between 3 to 6 years of age should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing, two times per day.

Call Us To Book Your Appointment!

Do you want to learn more about oral health habits just for children? Give Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics a call to ask any further questions and schedule your next dental visit with us!

 

 

As a parent, you have many things to worry about, so when it comes to your baby’s dental care, you might be unsure about the best way to help your child avoid tooth decay and other oral health issues. If you need guidance about when to begin brushing your baby’s teeth, the following information can help.

When to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth

As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, they are susceptible to plaque. Because plaque can build up and cause tooth decay, you should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they erupt. Keeping your baby’s mouth clean and healthy will help establish a good oral health routine that will last a lifetime.

To brush your baby’s teeth, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very thin layer of toothpaste. Using a circular motion, brush your baby’s teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes before they go to bed.

Your Baby's Oral Health in Apple Valley, MN

We are ready to take your call if you want to speak to a dental team member about your baby’s oral health needs! At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we want to help your child form lasting oral health habits, so contact our dental office at (952) 715-6177 for more information. 

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding things in life, but it can also be challenging to know when and how to care for your child’s oral health. When it comes to brushing your baby’s teeth, how often should you do it? Let’s take a look at your Apple Valley dentist’s recommendations.

Brushing Tips for Your Baby’s Teeth

Your baby’s teeth will probably begin to erupt between the ages of six and twelve months. Because plaque can build up on even the tiniest teeth, you should start a brushing routine as soon as your baby gets their first tooth.

We recommend brushing your child’s teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and again at night. However, if you want to brush your baby’s teeth after every feeding, it can help their teeth stay strong and healthy.

When you brush your baby’s teeth, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. For best results, gently brush their teeth and gums for two minutes.

Looking for Oral Health Tips in Apple Valley?

If you live in Apple Valley, MN, or the surrounding area and need information about your baby’s oral health, we can help! Call the expert dental team at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to learn more about how to care for your baby’s teeth. Our number is (952) 715-6177. 

Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually come out, it’s still essential to begin good dental hygiene habits at an early age. Besides brushing, flossing, and visiting your Apple Valley dentist for regular checkups, the foods and drinks you give your child can also affect their oral health. So, what foods and drinks should you avoid giving your baby to protect their teeth?

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

There are certain foods and drinks you should avoid giving your child to help them maintain the best oral health possible. These include the following:

  • Chewy or gummy snacks – Fruit snacks, caramel, taffy, and other chewy snacks can stick to your child’s teeth.
  • Chips – The starch in potato chips converts to sugar in your child’s mouth. Chips can also easily get wedged between your child’s teeth.
  • Sour foods – Foods that taste sour often contain acid that can damage your child’s teeth.
  • Soda – Soda is loaded with sugar, which can decay your child’s teeth.
  • Fruit juice – Even though fruit juice seems like a healthy choice, it contains a lot of cavity-causing sugar.

Protect Your Baby’s Teeth in Apple Valley, MN

If you want more information about protecting your baby’s teeth and helping them maintain their oral health from an early age, call Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today! Our dental team prides itself on providing compassionate dental care, so call us at (952) 715-6177 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

The First Dental Examination

We know you may have questions about your child’s dental care, so you are welcome to come back with your child for their examination. We conduct exams on infants and toddlers in the knee-to-knee position, so that your child is lying securely in your lap facing you, and we are sitting opposite and performing the exam.

Meet Our Doctors:

dr katie nordeen l dentist apple valley mn

Katie Nordeen DDS MS MSD
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist

Dr. Katie loves building lasting relationships with the wonderful families at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. As one of only a handful of dual-trained specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Katie is proud to ...

dr kyle nordeen l dentist apple valley mn

Kyle Nordeen DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Kyle is proud to care for the children of Apple Valley and the surrounding communities! As a parent of three young children, Dr. Kyle understands that patience, kindness, and fun can play a crucial ...

What is Early Childhood Caries?

smiling baby with blue eyes l pediatric dentistry happy valley mnEarly childhood caries, commonly known as "baby bottle tooth decay" occurs when your infant’s teeth are bathed for hours with sugary liquids like formula, milk, and fruit juices.

If you put your baby down for a nap or send them to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water, they are at serious risk for tooth decay. Sugar pools in their mouth and leads to the buildup of bacteria-filled plaque. This produces acids that attack a child’s tooth enamel and rapidly causes cavities.

Oral Hygiene in Infancy

Many parents are surprised to learn that they can start helping their child even before they get their first tooth! A simple step like wiping down their gums after each feeding with gauze or a damp washcloth helps control bacteria in their mouth and also helps your baby acclimate to an oral hygiene routine.

When the first baby teeth erupt, use a small soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice to clean them. By age three, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Flossing should begin as soon as any two teeth touch.

Featured Blog Posts - Infant Oral Health

November 18, 2024

When Should I Start Oral Care For My Baby?

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Did you know that taking care of your baby’s smile starts long before their first tooth comes in? At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we help parents understand the importance of early oral care. Starting good habits now helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

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First Smiles, First Steps: Caring for Your Baby's Oral Health

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June 25, 2024

Tiny Teeth, Big Care: 10 Tips for Infant Oral Health

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Infant oral health is crucial for their long-term oral and overall well-being. There are steps you can take to ensure your baby's dental development and an early commitment to excellent oral health practices. Here are our top ten!

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We Welcome Your Questions!

Maintaining your child’s healthy smile is a joint effort, and the team here at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is excited to provide expert treatment, education, guidance, and tips to help you and your child develop healthy habits at home! Contact our friendly dentist office today to learn more and ask any remaining questions you may have.

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