Baby Oral Health
Proper oral health starts when a child is a baby! Dr. Richard has implemented a new program called the Baby Oral Health Program, which was developed at UNC at Chapel Hill. This program is to help educate and inform parents of proper dental care even before teeth are present in the mouth.
Oral Hygiene and Fluoride
At birth, typically no teeth are present. However, using a gauze or soft washcloth to clean the gums is a great way to clean any buildup from the gums. At six months of age, some baby teeth may start to emerge. At this time a toothbrush can be used with a “smear” of non flouridated toothpaste to clean the teeth and gums. By twelve months of age front teeth will likely be present and the remaining baby teeth follow over the next 12-24 months such that by 36 months of age all baby teeth are usually present.
Healthy baby teeth are important for the protection of the development of the permanent teeth and for normal function and chewing. In addition, healthy baby teeth are necessary for development of proper speech patterns, self-esteem, and for optimal facial appearance.
The health of baby teeth can be determined by the feeding habits that are developed during the first 12 months of life. There are certain foods that we may not think could jeopardize the health of teeth but depending upon consumption can have a negative effect. For example, exposure to juice should be limited to 4-6 oz per day because of the sugar content. Also, raisins and gummy vitamins are not a good idea for children’s teeth. Due to the stickiness they are harder to get off the teeth and can then expose the teeth to a higher level of sugar over a long period of time. Sodas and any other foods or beverages with high sugar content will have a negative effect on children’s teeth especially if the consumption is prolonged and continued into adolescence.
Consistant and accurate exposure to fluoride is an important aspect of a child’s dental health. Fluoride can be found in tap water, bottled water, and toothpaste. A smear of fluoridated toothpaste can be used between 2 to 3yrs of age.
Oral Habits
Prolonged habits can lead to an increased open bite. Such habits are thumb sucking and pacifier use. From the age of one month to twelve months pacifier use can be a deterrent for SIDS. After twelve months of age if pacifier use continues it could increase the risk of ear infections and jaw constriction.
Injury Prevention
It is never too early to start establishing a safe environment to prevent dental trauma. For example, one way to prevent dental trauma is by covering table corners and bathtub nozzles with safety devices. All electrical outlets should have a safety plug in any unused sections. A proper car seat is a necessity for any child at any age to insure the safest environment for car transportation.
Teething
Teething can be a difficult time for child and parent. When choosing a teething toy be sure to follow a few guildlines.
- Contains no external paint
- Is one piece
- Is larger than the hole of a toilet paper roll
A few myths about teething is that it can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Ear rubbing
Some of the proven effects that teething cause:
- Irritability
- Finger sucking
- Gum rubbing
- Drooling
Come see Dr. Richard for an infant oral health exam!!
Dr. Richard will see any child under the age of 14 months for a free oral health exam and education visit. At the visit a “knee to knee” exam will be preformed and a fluoride varnish may be applied to teeth present in the mouth. We are looking forward to starting a positive oral health relationship with you and your child!
