Nurturing Gums to Teeth: Oral Care for Infants
Dr. Henrietta Sugar Outlines Early Dental Care for the Littlest Smiles
Season’s greetings, Scottsdale's newest parents! Dr. Henrietta Sugar here, ready to talk tiny teeth and even tinier gums. From the appearance of that first toothless grin, oral care should be a priority. Infant oral health sets the stage for lifelong dental wellness, so let’s explore how to care for your baby’s mouth from the start.
Before the First Tooth: Gum Care
Even before the first tooth breaks through, it’s important to care for your baby’s gums. Wipe your baby’s gums gently with a soft, damp cloth after feedings and before bed.
Gum Foundations
Gentle Cleanse: This early care helps remove bacteria and creates a clean environment for those soon-to-appear teeth.
The Arrival of the First Tooth
Usually, the first tooth appears around six months of age. Once it does, it’s time to introduce a baby toothbrush with a small, soft head and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Baby Brushing Basics
Tiny Tools: Select a brush that is designed specifically for infants and use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste to get those first teeth sparkling.
Fluoride Intake: Less Is More
Fluoride is critical for preventing tooth decay, even for the youngest teeth. However, too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis. Discuss the appropriate fluoride levels with your dentist.
Fluoride Focus
Optimal Levels: Your dentist can advise on the right fluoride toothpaste and whether supplemental fluoride is necessary based on your water source.
First Dental Visit: Timing It Right
Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or after the first tooth appears, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dental Debut
Early Introduction: This initial visit can help you learn more about infant oral care and get your baby comfortable with dental check-ups.
Teething Time: Managing Discomfort
As more teeth arrive, your baby may experience some discomfort. Teething rings, cool spoons, or gently massaging the gums can provide relief.
Teething Tactics
Soothing Strategies: Look for teething tools that can be chilled in the refrigerator for added relief.
Feeding for Oral Health
Good nutrition is essential for dental development. Breast milk, formula, and eventually purees and soft foods should provide the right balance of nutrients to support healthy gums and teeth.
Nutrient Nourishment
Healthy Offerings: As you introduce solids, choose nutrient-rich options that promote dental and overall health.
No Bottles in Bed
Putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can lead to “bottle caries” or tooth decay. Water is the only safe bedtime beverage if your baby needs a bottle to fall asleep.
Bedtime Bottle Ban
Water Only: Avoid sugary liquids in bedtime bottles to protect those tiny teeth from decay.
Oral Habits: Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
Pacifiers and thumb sucking are natural reflexes but monitor these habits as your child grows. Prolonged sucking can eventually misalign teeth and affect the roof of the mouth.
Habit Watching
Moderate Monitoring: Work to phase out pacifiers and thumb sucking by age 3 to prevent dental misalignments.
For personalized infant oral care guidance or to book your baby’s first dental check-up, contact Dr. Henrietta Sugar:
Caring for your infant's gums and emerging teeth paves the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let's start as we mean to go on, nurturing those gums to ensure that when the teeth come in, they’re strong, healthy, and ready for all the smiling, biting, and chewing ahead
