Infant Oral Care

Many people do not realize that infants need specialized oral care, and since baby teeth begin to form during pregnancy, the mother’s diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on the future oral health of her child. Eating a healthy diet and getting the appropriate vitamins and minerals during pregnancy helps contribute to the development of healthy teeth in young children.

Early Infant Oral Care

Children’s teeth usually begin to erupt as early as six months of age. Proper oral care during this time is crucial to avoid common conditions such as dental caries (decay) and gum disease. The bacteria found in decay and gum disease is communicable, so maintaining your own oral health during this time is extremely important.

Even before your child’s first tooth, you can clean their gums using a soft cloth. This helps to remove any bacteria and residue that may cause gum irritation or infection. Once teeth begin to erupt, using a soft toothbrush or cloth designed specifically for babies is your best bet.

Avoiding putting your child to bed with a bottle that contains milk, juice, formula, or any other substance that is acidic or contains sugar can help prevent decay.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is that your child has his or her first dental appointment by their first birthday. This gives the dentist an opportunity to assess your child’s oral health and make recommendations based on their needs. Dr. Chris Walton will also use this opportunity to share dietary and oral hygiene recommendations with you. He will also go over what you can expect during your child’s development.

At Burleson Pediatric Dentistry, we are experts at working with kids. Your child’s first dental visit gives us a chance to secure a positive foundation for your child’s experience in our office. We like to make it fun and interactive and will always go at your child’s pace when it comes to dental care. On the first visit, you can expect a “meet and greet” type of appointment where we work to help your child feel comfortable in our office.

Often the first trip to the dentist will be a way for your little one to become accustomed to the sights and sounds of our dental office. We designed our office with children in mind. It is brightly colored, fun, and child-friendly. We also have televisions at every chair to help keep your little one’s attention when the time comes for their first professional dental cleaning or treatment.

Call Us to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

We know your little one means the world to you. That is why we designed our office and our dental practice with them in mind. Dr. Chris Walton and our entire team will always treat your child the way we would want our own children to be treated. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship that supports your child’s healthy, beautiful smile.