Your infant might not be teething just yet. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require proper oral care.
Your infant might not be teething just yet. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require proper oral care. By starting earlier, you can ensure that your baby always has fresh breath and a healthy mouth that will help keep them happy as they grow up. Here is a look at proper oral care for your infant.
Think About Your Oral Care
There is some bacteria called Streptococcus mutans that can transfer from mothers to babies. That’s why expectant mothers and new mothers alike need to keep up with the right oral care. If it’s not kept up with, then dental decay can affect your infants even when they don’t really have any teeth to speak of for the time being. That’s why both parents need to set a good example and look after their own dental health and oral hygiene, even when their child is still too young to understand or follow along. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The Next Steps
Make sure that you have the dental care you need every step of the way. For soon-to-be mothers, getting a cleaning and dental exam during the second trimester is for the best. This can help fight the bacteria if any is present and also reduce the likelihood of an infection. In the meantime, any cosmetic dentistry is inadvisable, and try to avoid any tooth extractions for as long as possible.
Don’t wait too long to schedule the first dental visit for your baby. Getting it done inside the first year of life is highly recommended. This timeframe is when the first tooth is expected to appear. Plus, during the appointment, the dentist can see how risky anything could be for the baby, along with follow-ups that should happen every six months. While these dental checkups seem excessive, it is essential for maintaining good health for your child during the first five years of their life. Referrals to a pediatric specialist can also be arranged during these visits, who could provide more specific care depending on your needs and your child’s needs.
What Not to Do
However, there are still some things you should avoid. Although fluoride is generally a good idea, it isn’t so helpful at this stage. Don’t let your baby doze off while nursing or drinking from a bottle. This can help stop bacteria in their icky tracks and avoid potential infections.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.