One Common Goal

There is one thing every parent has in common: They want the very best for their children. You want your child to do well in school and grow up to be a happy, healthy adult. When it comes to your child’s smile, the ultimate goal is that they have healthy and functional teeth throughout their life. But did you know that setting the foundation for a healthy smile starts with those baby teeth? After all, prevention is key when it comes to oral health!

Tips for Soothing Teething Discomfort and Encouraging Smiles

When that first little tooth pokes its way through the gums, usually around 6 months old, it can create conflicting emotions in the parent. It may feel like your baby hits a new milestone every week. That little gummy smile is one of the cutest things possible, but it’s yet another sign that your tiny baby is growing up. As if that emotional roller coaster isn’t enough, it means teething has officially begun.

Soothing those tender gums can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Be ready to provide as many snuggles as you possibly can. Have some refrigerated teething rings ready to provide some instant relief. Don’t put these in the freezer! If they are frozen, it can be both too cold and too hard for your little one. Another option is the silicone teethers. They can help satisfy your baby’s need to chomp down on everything in sight. If your little one is in need of just a little more relief, give some infant Tylenol or Motrin a try.

Brushing those new teeth can be a challenge, especially while the gums are still sore. Be as gentle as you can, but keep up with that regular brushing routine. After all, bacteria buildup doesn’t stop for teething.

Smile-Friendly Nutrition: Introducing Solid Foods for Good Oral Health

When you introduce your child to solid food, you are helping them develop crucial oral skills. Simply learning to chew food helps solidify those facial muscles and motor skills. When picking these first foods, opt for easy-to-chew fruits and cooked vegetables. The goal is to choose foods that can be squished so that it is easier for your little one to chew them properly!

Creating a balanced diet for your little one not only introduces them to multiple different flavors but also helps support the development of healthy gums and teeth. One amazing example is cooked carrots. Not only are these tasty options for even the littlest eater, but they are filled with vitamin A, which is excellent at helping the body strengthen enamel and protect the gums. 

Baby’s First Dental Visit: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Smiles

When that very first tooth breaks through the gums, it’s the perfect time to get your little one in for their very first dental visit! Taking your little one to the dentist young sets them up for dental success. It allows them to grow used to the dentist, decreasing the chances of dental anxiety as they grow. It also gives you a chance to openly communicate with your child’s dentist. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have!

As the goal of the first appointment is to get your child used to the process, your little one will likely stay in your lap. If your child is old enough for X-rays, we will take them as necessary to check for cavities. Then their hygienist will thoroughly brush all their teeth, and the dentist will come in and make sure everything looks good. The entire process is quick and easy.

Building Healthy Habits for Tiny Teeth

Brushing should start from day one. Yes, even before the first tooth appears! After your child is done with their milk, take a damp cloth and wipe their gums to get rid of any sneaky bacteria. Once they have a tooth, it’s time to switch to the toothbrush. Use a rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste and give their little teeth a good brushing twice a day. Stick with this small amount of toothpaste until your child is around 3. At that point, increase it to a pea-size amount.

Children are amazing at copying adults’ habits (whether we want them to or not). The same goes for good oral hygiene habits. Because of this, one easy way to help your child build healthy dental care habits is to brush and floss with them. Set them on the bathroom counter while you brush your teeth, then brush theirs. Making it a normal part of your family routine can do wonders to develop muscle memory.

Just remember that when it comes to children, things don’t always go as planned, and that’s OK! Consistency is key to forming good lifelong habits. So if you have a bad day, just keep on going. It will get easier. 

Those milestones move fast.

All the different milestones your child goes through can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. It’s as though one day they’re a newborn, and the next day you’re watching them play in their first game at school. Though life moves a little too fast, all we can do is hold on tight and do our best to instill healthy habits.

When it comes to oral health, help them brush and floss those little teeth every day and introduce them to tooth-healthy fruits and vegetables. Parenthood can be a roller coaster, but you’ve got this. Enjoy every moment you can!

And remember that your pediatric dental team at Must Love Kids is here to help. Whether it is time to set up your baby’s first visit or your older child needs a routine cleaning, you can request an appointment online today.