PEDIATRIC DENTISTTRY
Infant Oral Care
Nurturing Smiles from the Start: Exceptional Infant Oral Care in Richmond Hill
Caring for Gums
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, the gums can benefit from your careful attention. After breast- or bottle-feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or piece of gauze and gently rub it across your baby’s gum tissue. This practice both clears the mouth of any fragments of food and begins the process for building good daily oral care habits.
Baby’s First Tooth
When that first tooth makes an entrance, it’s time to upgrade to a baby toothbrush. There are usually two options: a long-handled toothbrush that you and your youngster can hold at the same time, or a finger-puppet-like brush that fits over the tip of your pointer finger. In each case, the bristles are soft and few.
If your little one doesn’t react well to the introduction of a toothbrush, don’t give up. Switch back to a damp washcloth and try the toothbrush again.
During the teething process, your child will want to chew on just about anything, and a baby toothbrush with a teether can become a favorite toy during this period.
Brushing with Toothpaste
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for all children. For children less than three years of age, the CAPD recommends no more than a smear or rice-size amount of fluordie toothpaste.
For children aged three to six, no more than than a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. Ask Dr. Leila the right amount of fluoride tooothpaste for your little one.
Avoiding Cavities
Don’t give your baby any sort of sweetened liquids such as flavored drinks or soda. Even the sugars present in fruit juice, formula, and milk (this goes for breast milk as well) can cause decay, so regular teeth and gum cleaning is vital.
Also, make sure your little one never goes to bed with a bottle; sugary liquids in prolonged contact with teeth are a guarantee for early-childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.
First Visit to the Dentist
Ensure your infant’s smile receives the attention it deserves by scheduling a visit after their first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. Since decay can affect even the tiniest teeth, early dental visits increase the chance of preventing issues. We will screen for early signs of oral health concerns and discuss the best care practices for your child’s teeth. Remember, a positive attitude at each dental appointment can help your child feel more comfortable during regular checkups.
Setting a Good Example
Providing expert dental care with both skill and kindness. During the natural learning phase, young children are excellent imitators, so you can leverage this by demonstrating good habits yourself. Wash and floss daily in front of your child, who will soon learn the importance of these practices. Once your child shows interest, give them their own toothbrush and invite them to “brush” alongside you. Look for toothbrushes with chunky, easy-to-grip handles. Most children lack the dexterity to thoroughly clean their teeth until around age six or seven, so you’ll need to handle that part. Make brushing enjoyable with flavoured toothpaste, toothbrushes featuring favourite characters, or singing songs about brushing. The goal is to build healthy oral habits early, so your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth. Begin setting your little one on the path to lifelong healthy smiles! Book a gentle, comprehensive infant dental appointment today. Your baby deserves top-quality dental care from the start. Contact us now to help secure a bright, happy dental future for your precious child.
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Thursday
Friday
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8:00am – 4:00pm
9:30am – 6:30pm
8:00am – 4:00pm
9:30am – 6:30pm
10:00am – 4:00pm
by appointment only
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