Pediatric dentists understand that teething can be a rollercoaster for babies and parents. Some babies hardly fuss at all. Other babies struggle with the pain and discomfort of the teething process. Pediatric dentists want you to know that your baby’s dentist is a great support and resource as baby teeth begin to come in. You can partner with your pediatric dentist to start your child on the path to good oral health.
It may surprise many, but dentists recommend that a child have their first appointment when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday, sooner than many parents expect. This is to ensure that the teeth are healthy and free from decay. Even babies can experience tooth decay or other dental problems. A pediatric dentist can do a quick examination of the baby to identify any tooth decay or gum disease. Both of these conditions are completely preventable in healthy children.
When something unusual happens, parents should check in with the pediatric dentist. Some babies do not have difficulty while teething. Other babies may cry, pull at their ears, or drool. Pediatric dentists want parents to bring the child in if they notice anything out of the ordinary. While problems early on are rare, the sooner a pediatric dentist sees a child with a dental issue, the better. This allows dentists to form a plan of care with parents before the problem gets worse.
Pediatric dentists understand that the idea of brushing tiny teeth in a baby’s mouth can seem daunting to parents. When parents bring a child in, the dentist can demonstrate ways that parents can clean the baby’s teeth. This may involve wiping the new little teeth with clean gauze. Some tooth scrubbers fit over the parent’s finger. The parent will then use it to massage the baby’s gums and teeth.
As more baby teeth erupt and the baby becomes a toddler, parents can move to a toothbrush. There are several styles of toothbrushes that make brushing a toddler’s teeth a bit easier. The pediatric dentist will want to continue to see the child at certain milestones to evaluate how the baby’s teeth are erupting. These are great opportunities for parents to ask questions and for pediatric dentists to address any concerns.
By beginning oral care at the appearance of the first tooth, you can lay the foundation for good lifelong oral health for your child. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist will help your child have less fear and anxiety in the dentist’s chair. These visits also help to address and prevent tooth decay. You can get good advice from the dentist about how to care for your child’s teeth at home. When you work with a pediatric dentist to establish oral care habits, your child learns how to care for the teeth better for life.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY.
Babies get most of the nutrition they need from milk during their first year of life. Even when solid foods are introduced, milk still plays a vital role in the sustenance and overall development of young children. While many families use bottles to feed their babies, some may use them improperly or for too long,…
Pediatric dentists want you to know how important baby teeth are. Pediatric dentists often do not see a child at the dentist’s office until your child already has a problem. The health of baby teeth in children has a direct impact on the health of permanent teeth. Your dentist can be a great partner in…
As a parent, implementing preventive pediatric dental care is important. Your priority is your child’s health. Dental health influences one’s general health. As a responsible parent, preventing dental problems is important. If you want to know more about preventive pediatric dental care, here are the details.A child’s dental care must have a routine dental check…
Drinking water is part of pediatric dental health. Water is flavorless, colorless, and hydrating. It is a universal beverage that allows the body to maintain its balance. Pediatric dental health also needs water. That is why every child should start and maintain the habit of drinking it. If you want to know the pediatric dental…
Taking your child to see a kid friendly dentist is an important part of oral and overall health. Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent ones, it is still essential to keep them clean and treat them for any issues that develop, even during young childhood. Failure to properly…
Visiting the children’s dentist should be a regular occurrence for all kids. This important part of a child’s health and wellness is not something you should put off. Not only can the dentist check up on the child’s progress, but also the staff can evaluate any concerns you or your child may have. The dentist…