Cleaning Infants Teeth Caring for your infant's teeth is an important part of their overall development and a way to establish good habits from a young age. Cleaning their teeth during infancy is not just about maintaining oral health; it also plays a role in preventing the spread of bacteria that could cause tooth decay in later years.At Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry, we want to help you learn about cleaning your infant's teeth the right way so they can enjoy healthy smiles for years to come. Here are some ways advised by our professional dentists Dr. Nadgie Ortiz and Dr. Ortiz. In-Office TreatmentWhen it comes to the dental health of your infant, at Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry, we strongly recommend that parents don't attempt this on their own. An inexperienced parent may not realize the challenges and intricacies of properly cleaning an infant's teeth and gums. Our skilled dentists, Dr. Nadgie Ortiz and Dr. Ortiz, have ample experience in providing proper dental care to infants and toddlers, ensuring they get a gentle, safe, and confidence-instilling start with oral hygiene. You can schedule a consultation at Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry by calling us at (276) 663-0065 today. Use a Soft-Bristled ToothbrushSoft-bristled toothbrushes are ideal for infants, especially in the beginning months when their oral care changes from simply massaging their gums with a cloth or gauze, to brushing actual teeth. Infants' teeth are more vulnerable than adult teeth; therefore, it is important to choose a toothbrush that has the softest bristles. Additionally, the handle should be small enough for your infant to grip easily so they can get accustomed to maneuvering the brush around their mouth. Manual toothbrushes are preferable as they do not use electricity, reducing any risk of injury due to improper use. Brush Teeth Twice DailyIt is essential to start a good oral hygiene routine by brushing your infant's teeth twice a day, using an age-appropriate toothbrush and size-appropriate toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice for an infant younger than three years old. When it comes to their upper teeth, use gentle circular strokes with the brush while angling toward the gum line. For their lower teeth, tilt the brush against their tongue and move from bottom to top along the inside surface of each tooth. As infants lack dexterity at this stage, parents should brush for them until they can do it independently. Wipe Gums with a Clean GauzeAccording to Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry, when an infant's first tooth appears, it should be gently cleaned with a soft, wet cloth. As the full set of primary teeth arrives, our professionals recommend wiping the gums with a clean gauze soaked in water after each feeding. This provides a gentle massage to the gums and removes any residue from food and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Use Fluoride-Free ToothpasteWhen it comes to cleaning infants' teeth, it is essential to use fluoride-free toothpaste. Baby teeth are naturally more porous than adult ones, and fluoride can be absorbed more easily. Fluoride can result in fluorosis if ingested in excess. Taking the extra precautions now will result in a lifetime of healthy smiles for your infant! |
 Phone(276) 663-0065 HoursMon: 9:30am - 4pm Tues: 9:30am - 4pm Wed: 9:30am - 4pm Thurs: 9:30am - 4pm Friday: 9:30am - 4pm Saturday: We are open one Saturday a month by appointment. We are closed for federal Holidays. |
