A pediatric dentist spends two to three years after dental school receiving specialized training in pediatric dentistry. This training includes hands-on experience in meeting the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. A pediatric dentist also limits their practice to children only.
As soon as you can! You can start after birth with cleaning your child’s gums. You can use an infant toothbrush or a simple cloth and warm water. As soon as teeth break through, use a soft infant toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste at least twice per day.
It is very normal for your child to have sore gums while their teeth are growing in. Some children find comfort in cold items, such as frozen spoons, frozen teething rings, or teething biscuits. Your children’s dentist may also recommend topical medications that are safe for teething children.
The general rule of thumb is “first visit by first birthday.” You child should see the dentist approximately six months after their first tooth grows in, but not later than their first birthday. Early checkups and preventive measures build smiles that last a lifetime.
Near the age of six months, the two lower front teeth may begin to erupt. Shortly thereafter, the two upper front teeth will follow. The remaining baby teeth should appear within the next 24 months. If you are concerned about how your child’s teeth are growing in, please contact our office. We are the dentist on Wirt Rd.
Baby bottle tooth decay often occurs with extended breastfeeding. In order to prevent it, a child should wean from breastfeeding after the first teeth begin to come in and other sources of food and nutrition have been introduced to the child. Avoid giving a child a bottle of juice or sugary beverages near naptime and bedtime. If a child must have a bottle at bedtime, water is the best liquid to fill the bottle. Take care to wean your child from bottles between the ages of 12-14 months.