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As parents, we often grasp the fundamentals of dental hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. These are lessons we absorbed in our childhood, often through engaging school programs. However, when it comes to caring for our infants’ newly emerging teeth, many of us feel uncertain. What is the right way to brush? Is fluoride safe? When should we schedule that first dental appointment? The world of tiny teeth can be quite perplexing.
Fortunately, I navigated this learning curve thanks to some fantastic pediatric dentists who cared for my children. One of them, Dr. Max Peterson, is the founder of Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Nashville, TN. He has guided our family through various dental procedures for my middle child, routine cleanings for my eldest, and my baby girl’s first visit is on the calendar.
Dr. Max, as my kids lovingly refer to him, took the time to share essential information about dental care for the littlest ones. Here’s a summary of our conversation:
When Should My Baby First Visit the Dentist?
“The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. Unfortunately, many parents overlook this. Early visits allow us to identify issues like cavities, which are considered an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Catching these problems sooner often leads to simpler and less costly treatments,” Dr. Max explains.
Do I Need Special Products for My Baby’s Teeth?
“Not necessarily. The most effective toothbrush is the one your child will actually use! If they prefer a fun, banana-shaped toothbrush, go for it. I do recommend extra-soft bristles to reach all the little crevices,” suggests Dr. Max. Flossing typically isn’t necessary until the back molars touch, usually around ages 2 to 3.
Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe for Infants?
“Fluoride can be a contentious topic, but there’s no scientific reason to avoid it. It’s been extensively studied. You can use fluoride toothpaste for infants with just a tiny amount—about the size of a grain of rice. This minimizes any potential risks, such as fluorosis,” Dr. Max clarifies. If you’re hesitant about fluoride, consider introducing Xylitol into their diet, as it can help, though not as effectively as fluoride.
What Factors Impact a Baby’s Dental Health?
“Dental health relies on multiple factors: the teeth themselves, oral bacteria, what enters the mouth, and how long food stays there. We can’t change genetic factors, but we can manage diet and oral hygiene. Any sugars or carbohydrates can lead to cavities, so be cautious of what your child consumes, especially at bedtime,” Dr. Max warns. Even breastmilk can contribute to decay if it pools in the mouth for too long.
What About Pacifier Use?
“It’s best to wean off pacifiers by age two. Prolonged use can lead to dental issues, similar to braces in how they affect tooth positioning. If you can stop by age three, there’s a good chance things will self-correct, but waiting longer can necessitate orthodontic intervention,” Dr. Max advises.
My Baby is Over a Year Old and Still Toothless—Should I Be Worried?
“Typically, the first tooth erupts around seven months, but individual circumstances vary. If your child is over a year without teeth, it’s wise to schedule a dental visit. Sometimes, a cyst can block tooth eruption, which we can address,” Dr. Max explains.
Feeling Anxious About Cavities?
“Remember, I’m a dentist, not a judge. My role is to assist you, not to criticize your choices. Taking your child in for a check-up is a positive step, regardless of the situation,” he reassures.
Caring for baby teeth parallels caring for your own—maintaining cleanliness, establishing a relationship with a pediatric dentist, and accepting that dental maintenance is an ongoing necessity. If your child requires dental work over the years, that’s perfectly normal! A skilled dentist can help you foster healthy habits for your child’s smile.
For more information on parenting and related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination and visit Make a Mom for authoritative resources. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent information.
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