Even though your infant may be just getting their first tooth, visiting the dentist can still offer oral health care benefits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your infant see the dentist by their first birthday.
The most important reason for visiting the dentist in infancy is to establish a prevention plan. Dental issues can begin at a very early age, often stemming from bottle care and nursing. Your baby is at risk for tooth decay even before their teeth emerge. Another concern for infants is gum disease. It is recommended to establish good oral hygiene care early by keeping your baby’s gums clean.
The stages that the dentist wants parents to be aware of are teething, bottle feeding and using pacifiers. Other elements to include with infant dental care is the usage of medications. Antibiotics can sometimes cause tooth discoloration in children. Speaking with the team at Basin Dentistry about any concerns or questions with pediatric dentistry can help you gain a better understanding of what you should be doing to protect your infant’s oral health.
As a parent, you play an important role in establishing good oral health care habits for your children. You also set a standard about how trips to the dentist should be perceived. If you are fearful or have anxiety about dental visits, your child will as well. We suggest that when talking to your child about dental visits to keep everything very positive and keep scary words like “pain” or “shots” to a minimum. Our goal at Basin Dentistry is to help you and your child feel safe, happy and to have a fun experience. Our team of dental professionals is always happy to answer questions and educate your child on the importance of brushing and flossing as they grow older.
For more information about our early infant oral care and all of our pediatric dentistry services, call us at (432) 217-0089 today.
