Caring for your infants oral health

Caring for an infant can be overwhelming! There are so many things to consider. Some of them will come naturally, but some may not.  When it comes to your newborn's oral health, there are some things you may not know.  Brushing or massaging you infant’s gum tissue is important. “Plaque” or bacteria can accumulate within the mouth on the soft tissues. Overgrowth of these bacteria can lead to oral infections. Your baby can start teething as early as 3 months and rubbing their gums with a finger brush or soft/damp cloth can help ease tooth pain and make the tooth eruption easier on your baby. As soon as your baby gets their first tooth, you should be gently brushing it with a soft bristle toothbrush twice a day. Consider a training toothpaste made for infants. Here are some examples:                              NUK tooth & Gum Cleanser      Gerber Tooth & Gum Cleanser       Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser 

Things to AVOID to ensure the health of your baby’s mouth:

1. Juice
   1. The latest recommendations from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) says “juice is no longer recommended during the first year of life” and that is has “no nutritional value.”*  Juice does however have sugar, natural and added, and is acidic.  Sugar and acid are the two biggest culprits when it comes to tooth decay.  
2. Putting your baby to bed with a bottle
   1. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a term used to define a severe case of decay caused by putting your child to bed with a bottle (even milk).  Never put your child to bed with a bottle and after brushing their teeth before bed, only offer them water.
3. Strangers kissing your baby
   1. Adults who get cold sores should never kiss a child on the face, especially if they have an active lesion.  We have all come in contact with people who just want to kiss all over your baby! (And don't understand why you stiff arm them when they try!) Cold sores are herpetic lesions which are highly contagious and when spread to an infant, can cause Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)**.  I’m not going to post any pictures of this, but feel free to google it.

 When should you start taking your child to the dentist? Pediatric recommendations say that all children should see a dentist around 18 months. Now, speaking from a hygienist “point of view”, I believe that very few children are able to go through a dental cleaning at 18 months. I do not believe in restraining a child in a papoose or “straight jacket” in order to perform a prophy cup polish. A child’s first dental appointment can and does set the tone for their dental future and attitude toward dentistry.  The majority of adults with dental anxiety had a horrible experience as a child.  I believe most of those situations could have been easily avoided. I encourage my patients with children to bring them in with you and let them get use to us at least one time before scheduling their first appointment. We call this their “happy visit”. They get to sit in the chair, play with the buttons and air/water syringe and of course… “Mr. Thirsty” as he is affectionately known (or the suction).  If they allow me to look in their mouth and do a visual exam for decay at their “happy visit”, we then set up for a cleaning. I work with a child to make them feel comfortable and gain their trust. They then get a new toothbrush and a toy out of the treasure box. It is so important that they leave with a good memory of the dental office.  A child’s baby teeth are very important. They are space maintainers for their permanent teeth. They have nerves and feelings just like adult teeth. Keeping your child’s teeth healthy and free of cavities will directly affect their chewing function and overall health. Before your child’s baby teeth erupt, try to establish a good foundation and oral environment for those teeth that are on the way!  And when it comes to teething, just remember….this too shall pass (in 2 years)!  Thank you,Holly Bartlett, RDH     Westport Dental Associates810 Salem RdConway, AR 72034501-327-9988 Sources:*https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Fruit-Juice-and-Your-Childs-Diet.aspx**http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/964866-clinical