Early Infant Oral Care in Zanesville OH | Kids First Pediatric Dental Care

Early Infant Oral Care

Laying the Foundation for a Lifetime
of Healthy Smiles

At Kids First Pediatric Dental Care, we are deeply committed to ensuring the best start for your child’s oral health. We align with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, which recommend that an infant’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth emerges. This early start is crucial for preventing dental problems and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants

Our approach to infant oral health care encompasses a wide range of services designed to support the overall well-being of your child from the very beginning. We offer:

First Dental Visit Assessment

A gentle and thorough evaluation of your infant’s oral health, aimed at early detection of potential issues. This initial visit also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to learn about:

The basics of infant oral hygiene.
The impact of dietary choices on oral health.
Strategies for managing teething discomfort and preventive care practices to protect against tooth decay.

Preventive Care and Parental
Education

We believe in empowering parents with knowledge and tools to support their infant’s dental health, including:

Guidance on cleaning your baby’s gums before the arrival of teeth.
Recommendations for appropriate and safe fluoride use to strengthen emerging teeth.
Advice on avoiding habits that could negatively affect dental development, such as prolonged pacifier use or bottle-feeding at night.

Our services are not just about addressing the immediate health of your child’s teeth and gums; they’re also about fostering a positive relationship with dental care that will last a lifetime. By starting dental visits at an early age, we help your child become accustomed to the dental office environment, making future visits more comfortable and less intimidating.

Infant Oral Health Care FAQs

When should my infant have their first dental appointment?

Your infant should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears, following AAPD guidelines. This early visit is key to preventing dental problems and establishing a dental home.

How should I clean my infant's teeth and gums?

Before your baby’s teeth erupt, gently clean their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth appear, use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush with water and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice a day.

How much toothpaste should I use for my infant?

Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice for children under three years old, as recommended by the AAPD. This minimizes the amount being swallowed while providing essential fluoride protection against cavities.

Can infants get cavities?

Yes, infants can develop “baby bottle tooth decay,” or early childhood caries, from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids.

It’s crucial to not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle, or be nursed to sleep. The mouth should be wiped clean after each feeding. See ‘How should I clean my infant’s teeth and gums’.

What should I know about teething?

Teething usually begins around 6 months of age and can cause discomfort. To soothe your baby’s gums, use a clean, chilled teething ring or gently massage their gums. Avoid sugary teething biscuits to prevent tooth decay.

Schedule Your Infant’s
First Appointment Today

Embark on the journey to optimal oral health for your infant with Kids First Pediatric Dental Care. Together, we can establish the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. Schedule your infant’s first dental visit with us today and take a proactive step towards nurturing their oral health.

By focusing on early infant oral health care, we at Kids First Pediatric Dental Care are dedicated to providing the support and guidance necessary for your child to grow up with a strong, healthy smile.