Infant Dental Care
 Baby teeth are the fundamental part of your child's oral health and caring for them now will set them up for success in the future. Ensuring that your child has proper oral care, even as an infant, will reduce or eliminate the chances of oral health problems as well as allowing you to focus on more pressing health concerns since most oral health problems are easily avoided using proper preventative care. Our dedicated professionals at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry have years of experience caring for infants and young children, so we know what to look for in healthy baby teeth!
What Are Baby Teeth and Their Concerns?
Baby teeth are those teeth that will grow first, before your child develops adult teeth. Once your baby loses these baby teeth, their adult teeth begin to grow into their permanent counterparts. However, during this process, they often become exposed or visible through the gums. This happens naturally once the child starts to move their lower jaw forward. The tooth or teeth exposed during this process may not be noticeable to the naked eye but can be quite noticeable when the child tries to talk or eat.
What Are Some Concerns for Caring for Baby Teeth?
The first thing that a parent has to do to care for their baby's teeth is to brush their teeth twice a day. As a good practice, parents should not forget to brush their child's teeth every night and in the morning brush their tongue, and pay attention to their gum tissues. To provide especially good care, parents should thoroughly brush their baby's teeth after every meal. Doing so will help clean out the bacteria in the mouth and make sure that no food or drink is left in their mouth for a long time, which can cause decay if left unattended.
Precautions for Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are very sensitive, and they need special care because they are so delicate that they can easily be damaged by forceful brushing or hard objects. Therefore, parents must take extra precautions while brushing their baby's teeth. They should always keep in mind that the baby's mouth is very sensitive too, and should always use gentle, even strokes while paying attention to physical signs from your child, such as wincing or discomfort, which could mean you are too forceful. Parents should also avoid using a traditional hard plastic toothbrush as this can damage their child's baby teeth. Rather, using a soft brush that slides over your finger will be just fine for brushing your baby's teeth.
There are a number of kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash available that can help care for your baby's teeth. Just make sure that they contain fluoride, a kind of mineral that your baby needs to grow healthy teeth. Toothpastes that are made from calcium are ideal since they also help to encourage healthy gums.
If you still have any questions or want to know more about the type of dental care your baby needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry at (971) 459-2431 today. One of our amazing team members will be happy to take your call!
FAQs
When should my baby first visit the dentist?
Your baby should generally visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or around their first birthday. At Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry, our dental team can check early tooth development, look for signs of decay, and help parents learn how to care for their baby’s smile.
How do I clean my infant’s teeth and gums?
Before teeth come in, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once teeth appear, use a soft infant toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste as recommended by our dentists. Our dental team can show you safe techniques for cleaning your baby’s mouth at home.
Why is infant dental care important?
Infant dental care helps protect baby teeth from decay and supports healthy oral development. Baby teeth help with chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth, so early dental visits and good home care can help prevent problems as your child grows.
Can babies get cavities?
Yes. Babies can develop cavities as soon as teeth begin to appear, especially when teeth are frequently exposed to milk, formula, juice, or sugary drinks for long periods. Our dentists can discuss feeding habits, brushing routines, and preventive steps to help reduce your baby’s risk of tooth decay.
How can I help my baby feel comfortable at the dentist?
You can help your baby feel comfortable by scheduling visits when they are usually rested, bringing a comfort item, and using calm, positive language. Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry provides gentle, age-appropriate care to help infants and parents feel supported during early dental visits. |
