Watching your infant grow and develop is exciting. Just as it is essential to
care for your child’s overall health, it is also important to care for their oral health from birth.
A pediatric dentist can provide infant dental care that supports lifelong oral health.
Infant dental care is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado
and the surrounding area. Our team will provide your child with the gentle, quality care they
deserve. Call us at (619) 354-5136
to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Request An Appointment
Tooth Cleaning Techniques for Infants
There is a myth that brushing an infant’s teeth is not necessary until the parent
weans them. The truth is that dental care should start from
birth. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they help guide the eventual
placement of permanent teeth. Baby teeth also support a healthy diet and speech
development. Unfortunately, baby teeth are prone to decay. Regular brushing is
essential to combat cavities.
Once teeth erupt, use a small soft-bristled brush. Gently clean the teeth and brush
the gums. Even if an infant does not have any teeth yet, parents must still clean
their mouth daily using sterile gauze or a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth or gauze,
then gently wipe the gums. Giving infants a small amount of water to rinse their
mouths after feeding may also prevent decay. Parents should consult our team for
proper cleaning techniques and tips to keep infants healthy and safe.
“Regular brushing is essential to combat cavities.”
Understanding Childhood Tooth Development
During infancy, teeth erupt slowly. The first tooth usually appears around six to
seven months. Teeth typically appear at the front of the mouth first, while molars
are often last to erupt and may not arrive until a child is two to three years old.
Children will begin to lose their baby teeth by six to
make room for permanent teeth. As the baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth shift
into place. Wisdom teeth are last to arrive, and they usually turn up around age 18.
Discovering new teeth can be exciting for parents and children. During this time, it
is beneficial to reinforce the importance of dental hygiene. Newly erupted teeth
need special care. As new teeth appear, parents should speak with our team about any
changes a child may need to make, such as brushing or flossing more often. They
might also need to avoid certain foods.
“Teeth typically appear at the front of the mouth first, while molars are often last to erupt and may not arrive until a child is two to three years old.”
Diet and Baby Bottles
Parents often let their child use a bottle or the breast as a soothing toy before
bedtime. While this may seem harmless, it is important not to put a child to sleep
directly after feeding. When children sleep with formula or milk in their mouth,
bacteria can thrive and cause tooth decay.
Mouth bacteria produce acid, which damages tooth enamel. To avoid decay, children
should not go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. Parents must also brush or rinse
out their child’s mouth.
If a child is fussy, we recommend giving them a clean pacifier rather than the breast
or bottle. Parents may also want to consider weaning the child by their first
birthday. Making an early switch from formula to food might help prevent tooth
decay. Parents can speak with our team for more information on this issue.
“When children sleep with formula or milk in their mouth, bacteria can thrive and cause tooth decay.”
Once an infant’s first tooth has erupted, it is time
for a dental visit. Parents should not hesitate to schedule an appointment. During
the checkup, our team will examine the inside of the child's mouth, feel the gums,
and examine new teeth. We will also ask questions about brushing habits, feeding,
and pacifier use and provide parents with helpful tips about weaning or introducing
solid food. Our team can also demonstrate brushing techniques and explain how to
keep a child's teeth healthy.
Before leaving, parents will schedule another check-up for their child. While most
children will have a regular check-up about every six months, some patients will
require more frequent appointments depending on their oral health. These dental
visits help children stay on track with their oral hygiene and develop a positive
relationship with the dentist.
“Once an infant’s first tooth has erupted, it is time for a dental visit.”
Infants will generally start teething around four to six months of age. Parents
may notice that their child is cranky, fussy, or irritable. Some may also develop
swollen cheeks or gums and drool more than usual or do a lot of chewing on their
favorite toys. These are all signs that another tooth is on the way.
Rubbing the gums with a clean finger can help soothe them. Parents can also offer
something cold to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring or a dampened cloth is a
good choice. Every infant is different, and some infants may start teething earlier
or later than usual. Early or late teething usually is not cause for concern but may
influence their dental care plan. Our team can provide a more precise timeline for
each patient.
“Early or late teething usually is not cause for concern but may influence their dental care plan.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should my child see a pediatric
dentist if their first tooth has not erupted yet?
A. If a child’s tooth has not erupted yet, they should
begin dental visits by age one. Children who are behind on dental care should have
an appointment scheduled right away. Let our team know that this will be their first
dentist visit so we can determine what kind of care the child needs.
Q. When will my child start teething?
A. Most children begin teething around six to seven
months old. Some children may start teething earlier or later. Symptoms of teething
can include fussiness, drooling, swollen cheeks, and increased chewing. Let our team
know about any concerns about the teething process.
Q. When will my child have all their
baby teeth?
A. By age two or three, most children have all their
baby teeth. These teeth shift into place slowly. Parents often notice that the front
teeth appear long before the back molars show up. This pattern might seem irregular,
but it is normal.
Q. How should I take care of my child's
baby teeth?
A. As soon as baby teeth appear, begin brushing daily.
Use a soft-bristled brush and work in circular motions. Once weaned, infants should
have their teeth brushed twice a day. Most children need supervision with brushing
and flossing, even once they reach school age.
Q. Why are routine check-ups necessary
for children?
A. Regular check-ups and cleanings are an important part
of a child's oral health. Children can develop cavities as soon as they develop
teeth. Cleanings during these check-ups remove plaque and tartar, which reduces the
risk of cavities and gum disease.
Definition of Pediatric Dental Terminology
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a solution of plastic material that we apply to the crown of the tooth to protect the areas within the ridges of teeth from infection.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Enamel
The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Primary Teeth
Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that begin to erupt around six months of age.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Teething
Teething is the emergence of the primary teeth through a child’s gums, usually around four to seven months of age.
Call Us Today
Infant dental care from a pediatric dentist can help children develop and maintain good oral
health and hygiene habits. Our team at call Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics is here to
support the healthy development of your child’s smile. Call us at 619-354-5136 to learn more about our services or schedule an
appointment.
If you live in the Coronado area, call 619-354-5136 for an appointment in our Coronado office.
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