Welcoming a newborn into your family is exciting. For first-time parents, though, it can also be a bit intimidating because moms and dads are anxious to know about everything that’s best for their baby. Some, however, aren’t aware of the close link between feeding an infant and his (or her) oral health.
We at the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA are dedicated to providing the topmost level of expert and empathetic care for your child. From the front desk to the back, our team will work closely with you to ensure your child’s well-being until he or she makes the transition to a dental provider for adults.
Parents of a baby whose first tooth has erupted need to know that letting a baby have milk—whether it’s from a bottle or breast—throughout the night can lead to tooth decay. If the baby won’t go to sleep without a bottle, put water in it instead of milk, fruit juice or any other beverage that has sugar. Or, try a pacifier.
Following your baby’s final feeding of the day, tenderly wipe his gums and any teeth with a soft-finger toothbrush, a piece of gauze or a smooth washcloth. This routine has two benefits: The first is to create an oral care regime so he will get used to having his gums massaged, which will alleviate discomfort when his teeth start to erupt. The second is to reduce the chance of decay forming on his teeth and at their gumlines.
When your child is between four to six months old and you add baby food, such as pureed veggies and fruits, to his diet of milk or formula, it will become even more important to continue his previous oral cleaning routine. As more teeth start coming in, incorporate fluoride toothpaste and a baby-size toothbrush. Apply a strip of toothpaste no bigger than a grain of rice onto the bristles and be extremely gentle while cleaning away debris. Teaching your child dental care at an early age will ensure that he prioritizes an excellent oral care routine for the rest of his life.
You can be sure that your child/children will be in excellent medical hands at the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA. We are experts at making children feel comfortable and happy during their visits. Please call us today to make an appointment.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
June 29, 2022
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