Many parents hold off on taking their child to the dentist because they either think the kid is too young or doesn’t have enough teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or right before their first birthday. If you’re unsure if you should start looking for a pediatric dentist in Monsey, New York, here’s everything you need to know.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN TEETHING BABIES
Once you see teeth coming in, it’s a good idea to make your baby’s first dental appointment. A pediatric dentist will ensure their primary teeth are healthy so they can have strong adult teeth. Look out for the following signs that might mean your baby’s teeth are starting to come in. Please be aware that some of these signs could be from other health concerns, as well.
Diarrhea
Many things can cause diarrhea, but some experts believe teething and diarrhea in babies can go hand-in-hand. This is because babies drool more than usual while they’re teething and can swallow much of the excess spit. This can upset their tummy and result in diarrhea or looser stools.
Biting
When babies are teething, they start to bite and gnaw on things more. They do this to relieve the pressure on their gums from their primary teeth erupting. The process causes pain and discomfort for your little ones, so giving them something cold to bite on is good for alleviating some of the pressure.
Fussiness
As previously mentioned, teething is uncomfortable for babies! As a result, it can make them extra fussy, especially at night. The first teeth and the molars are most uncomfortable. You might also notice your baby rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear, as the pain from their gums can radiate to those areas.
Drooling
Another sign your baby is teething is lots of drooling. This is because teething stimulates saliva as your child begins to develop motor skills, like chewing. This sends signals to their brain to start initiating saliva production. Extra bacteria on their mouth from all the drooling can cause a rash, so wipe their faces often to keep them clean and dry.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THE DENTIST
Before taking your child to the dentist for the first time, you’ll both want to be prepared. It’s a new experience for the two of you, so make sure to follow some of these tips before making the appointment.
Choose a Good Time for the Appointment
You’ll want to schedule their first appointment at a time where your child will be alert and calm. If your kid tends to take a nap around the same time every day, schedule their first dentist appointment after that. It’ll help make things run a bit smoother.
Get Them Familiar with the Dentist
Since it’ll be your child’s first time visiting the dentist, it’s a good idea to get them familiar with everything dental-related. In the coming weeks before their appointment, start telling your child about dentists, what they do, and why it’s important to visit one often. You could also show your child some fun dental videos, play pretend with them, or even visit the office before their appointment.
Keep Their Oral Health in Good Shape
You should begin caring for your child’s teeth and gums early on. This includes wiping infant gums often to keep them healthy. As your child gets older, teach them how to properly brush and floss, and make sure they eat food that’s good for their teeth.
PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH AT HOME
Caring for your child’s teeth shouldn’t only be the dentist’s job. It’s essential for parents to protect their children’s teeth at home to prevent decay or other oral problems down the road. Here are some things you can do to get started:
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Teach them good oral habits
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Avoid leaving the baby bottle in their mouth when they sleep
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Limit sweets
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Use a fluoride toothpaste
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN MONSEY, NEW YORK?
If it’s time for your child to start visiting the dentist, we’re more than happy to help. At SmileBuilders, we care about ensuring your child has a healthy smile as they grow up. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.