Infant Dental Exams
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An infant dental exam sets your child up for success with oral health. Dr. Botero offers her patients at Li’l Sunshine Smiles a free infant dental exam because she feels so strongly about the need to get parents and kids in early.
An Infant Dental Exam is Part of Responsible Preventive Health
Some parents might initially gawk at the idea of having an infant dental exam. I mean, she has no teeth so what’s the rush? You would be surprised to know how much you can do even BEFORE teeth come to the surface to establish a foundation for good oral health.
Part of the reason we get parents and infants in early is to educate. Even before teeth buds emerge in those tender infant gums, parents should be cleaning the gums in the morning and evening before bed.
When you meet with our Li’l Sunshine Smiles dental team, we discuss oral hygiene habits, how to prevent oral injuries, health risks, baby-bottle tooth decay, thumbsucking and pacifier usage, and what to do when the teeth do start to surface.
The ADA Recommends Infants Be Seen Before Their First Birthday
Prevent dental problems by visiting a children’s dentist as soon as you can. (Definitely when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.)
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, primary, or “baby,” teeth need as much care as permanent teeth. Not only do baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also act as spacers for permanent teeth. Baby teeth help permanent teeth come in where they are supposed to.
Preventive dentistry is the best kind of dentistry. It means getting ahead of problems before they happen. It means involving your caregiver early on in your child’s health and development so that best practices are taught and understood.
Parents that take their kids to the dentist regularly (and early) benefit the most. Dr. Botero can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for your to supervise and teach to your children. Home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
What to Expect at Your Infant Dental Exam
Your child’s first infant dental exam is an opportunity for her to be introduced at her new dental home and to create positive feelings about a trip to the dentist. You can help this first infant dental exam be successful by being mindful that you schedule it when your child is rested and relaxed.
You will hold your child on your lap during the exam, sitting knee to knee with Dr. Botero. This allows your child to feel safe and comfortable. During the child’s infant dental exam you can expect Dr. Botero to:
- Assess how much fluoride your child is getting through diet and use of oral hygiene products. If necessary she will prescribe a fluoride supplement or apply a topical fluoride treatment to your child’s teeth.
- Check your child’s oral hygiene and overall health including drinking and eating habits, and risk of tooth decay.
- Clean stains or deposits on your child’s teeth by gently scrubbing with a wet toothbrush or wet cloth.
- Teach proper cleaning techniques.
- Look for sores or bumps on your child’s tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the roof of the mouth.
- Discuss the impact of habits such as pacifier use and thumbsucking.
To schedule a free infant dental exam and consultation, call us today at (813) 576-0200! We are excited to welcome you to your new dental home.
