Larry Caldwell, DDS & Associates has been serving families in the Sugar Land, Wharton, Richmond, and Rosenberg, TX areas with high-quality dental care for many years.
During our years of dental practice, we have noticed a few commonly asked dental questions regarding babies and young children. So, we decided to compile a short list of the top commonly asked children’s dentistry questions and provide answers for them.
#1 When Should I Make My Child’s First Dental Appointment?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should bring your child in to see a dentist by his or her first birthday. This is because the primary teeth (baby teeth) serve not only as guidelines for your baby’s permanent teeth, but examining their development can allow your trusted children’s dentist to spot identifiers that signal the possible development of speech impediments and unhealthy chewing behaviors.
#2 What Are Some of The Signs of Teething?
Here are a few good tale-tell signs to help you know if your baby is starting to teeth:
- Irritability
- Biting and gnawing
- Drooling
- Chin rash (caused by excessive salivation)
- Swollen gums
- Ear rubbing
- Decreased appetite
- Disrupted sleep patterns
#3 How Can I Relieve My Baby’s Pain While He or She Is Teething?
At Larry Caldwell, DDS & Associates, we recommend relieving your baby’s tender gums by inserting a set of cold or chilled teething rings into his or her mouth. This will help neutralize any discomfort your baby might be experiencing. Chilled pacifiers and washcloths can also help. Whichever tool you decide to use, remember to apply it to the bottom of your baby’s mouth, as this is usually where the first teeth erupt.
#4 How Do I Prevent Baby Tooth Decay?
Once your baby has teeth, it’s certainly important to start caring for them. It's no secret that babies love milk. But, while milk is essential to babies’ growth and development, it can also affect their dental health. Milk contains natural sugars that can increase the exposure of bacteria and acid in your baby’s mouth, especially over long periods of time. What we recommend is replacing a bottle of milk with a bottle of water or a pacifier while your baby is asleep so that there is less exposure to bacteria.
#5 Is Tooth Decay Something I Should Continue to Monitor for As My Child Grows?
Absolutely! What people don’t realize is that tooth decay is one of the most common human diseases, second only to the common cold! It is also highly preventable. Tooth decay is particularly threatening to children because of their tendency toward more sugary diets and less adamant oral hygiene habits. We have an entire section on our website dedicated to tooth decay prevention. Check it out today to learn more about how to keep your child from developing tooth decay.
Schedule A Children’s Dentistry Appointment Today!
Let our children’s dentistry answer any other questions you may have about keeping your child’s smile healthy and beautiful. Feel free to give us a call at 281-565-5437 or contact us online today!