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Nothing can compare to new parenthood. Who knew it was possible to feel such a boundless, relentless, and pure love for such a tiny little being?
We’ll admit that it’s challenging to pinpoint the best (and most stressful) parts of having a child under 2. Still, it seems like this fragile time is when parents question themselves the most. If you have questions regarding your little one’s oral health, please do not hesitate to schedule an infant dental visit with Dr. Heba Rashed. Our Petite Smiles team is prepared to guide you through your child’s first two years and beyond.
Many parents wonder why baby teeth are important, but what’s equally essential is your baby’s gums and jaws too. Teeth, gums, and jaws play a crucial role in facial growth and development. Plus, they act as natural space maintainers for adult teeth.
At your child’s infant dental visit, she answers any questions regarding oral health and directly teaches new parents about the following:
From infancy to 2 years, this extraordinary moment of life calls for particular oral health instructions:
Although you might see gums when your baby smiles, it’s still necessary to care for your young child’s oral health during this time window. Whether your baby is breast-fed or bottle-fed, we suggest gently wiping off your baby’s gums with a damp, clean washcloth or piece of gauze after every feeding session.
Every child is different. Typically, parents can expect a baby’s first tooth to erupt between 6 and 12 months. However, some children are born with teeth, and others won’t see a tooth until after their first birthday—all of which are perfectly natural.
During this time frame:
After your child’s first infant dental visit, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advocates that children should visit their pediatric dentist every six months for a checkup. Consistent cleanings and checkups help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
At this age, you can also introduce a rice-sized drop of children’s toothpaste with fluoride as part of their daily brushing routine. When you notice that your child has two teeth that touch, this is the perfect opportunity to start flossing to remove harmful germs and food particles easily trapped between teeth.
Although the adage is “ignorance is bliss,” we don’t agree with this sentiment regarding your child’s health. Many parents don’t know what they don’t know, and caring for a baby isn’t always intuitive.
There’s plenty of misinformation regarding children’s health on the internet, and we believe it’s more sensible to see a children’s dentist in Lorton like Dr. Rasheed rather than sifting through the potentially distorted truth regarding your baby’s oral health.
The bottom line is that delaying the first dental visit is a gamble on your child’s oral and overall health. Book baby’s first dental appointment by calling (703)-688-2155 or messaging us online.
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