Early Infant Oral Care
Early Infant Oral Care in Fort Collins, CO
Start your kids down the right dental path as early as possible.
Schedule an AppointmentPrevent tooth decay and cavities
Decrease the risk of cavity-causing bacteria
Protect against preterm births
Why do toothless babies need oral care?
The simple truth is that bacteria doesn’t care about age. It can grow in any mouth, however new it is to the world. Bacteria can cause tooth decay to start as soon as teeth erupt from the gums. Over time, this can lead to problems in children’s mouths as they grow older. However, healthy habits lead to healthy teeth.
That’s why we provide early infant oral care at Kids Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies. We’ll make sure your baby is on track to grow strong, healthy teeth and make sure you have what you need to help them develop healthy mouths until they can care for their own teeth.
Worry-Free Parenting
(for oral care, at least!)
Having a new baby to care for can feel confusing and overwhelming. Their teeth shouldn’t be another worry for you. That’s why our team can provide you with the advice you need when you need it so your baby’s smile is as healthy as it is bright!
That’s why we provide early infant oral care at Kids Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies. We’ll make sure your baby is on track to grow strong, healthy teeth and make sure you have what you need to help them develop healthy mouths until they can care for their own teeth.
Receive Expert Advice
Whether you’re wondering if you should brush baby gums or how much fluoride to use, our team will ensure you know exactly what to do for your baby’s mouth.
Seal Out Decay
Learn how to practice good oral hygiene on your infant’s behalf, and receive protective coatings once teeth break through to prevent cavities and decay.
Establish A Dental Home
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children with a dental home are more likely to receive needed preventive and routine oral care.
What should I do about . . . ?
If you’re not sure how to care for your child’s mouth in the early years, you’re not alone. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers.
Is a bottle safe for my baby’s teeth?
One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks.
Is a sippy cup safe for my baby’s teeth?
Sippy cups should be used as a training tool from the bottle to a cup and should be discontinued by the first birthday. If your child uses a sippy cup throughout the day, fill the sippy cup with water only (except at mealtimes). By filling the sippy cup with liquids that contain sugar (including milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc.) and allowing a child to drink from it throughout the day, it soaks the child’s teeth in cavity-causing bacteria.
Do I need to do anything before my baby’s teeth break through?
Yes. Starting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft cloth and water. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.
Additionally, mothers need to care for their own teeth well, too, as they can pass bacteria along to their children (see below for more).
What should I do when my baby starts getting teeth?
As soon as your child's teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they are under the age of 2, use a small "smear" of toothpaste. (Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it.) Once they turn 2, you can use a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste. When brushing, the parent should brush the child's teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own.
Does a young child really need to floss?
Yes. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. Be sure and floss your child's teeth daily until he or she can do it alone. You can find helpful flossers for children in most grocery stores.
A Mother’s Care
As soon as your child's teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they are under the age of 2, use a small "smear" of toothpaste. (Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it.) Once they turn 2, you can use a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste. When brushing, the parent should brush the child's teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque.
- Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages and foods high in sugar & starch.
- Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA and rinse every night with an alocohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse with .05 % sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels.
- Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children.
- Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day by the mother) can decrease a child’s caries rate.
