Early Dental Care Specialist

What is early dental care?

Early dental care refers to the type of oral health treatment young children, including babies and toddlers, receive. The AAPD recommends that children see a dentist before their first birthday. These early visits give the team at RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry an opportunity to get to know your little one, examine their gums, and check for early signs of decay.

What does early dental care cover?

Children need healthy gums to support healthy teeth. That’s why the team performs comprehensive dental exams to prevent and treat:

Baby bottle decay

Baby bottle tooth decay commonly affects the upper front baby teeth, which are typically the first to emerge. It commonly develops from continuous exposure to sugary drinks, as well as using a bottle to sleep, or in place of a pacifier. 

Teething

Teething happens when your child’s teeth begin to erupt. This process can be painful and uncomfortable for babies. Your child may seem irritable, tired, or fussy when they’re teething. If your baby is teething, the team can give you tips on how to soothe their sore gums at their early dental care visits.

Tongue-tie

A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects your baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth, is too short. That can restrict movement and interfere with your baby’s ability to breastfeed.

Lip-tie

A lip-tie happens when the frenulum, which connects the lips to the gums, is too small. Like a tongue-tie, a lip-tie can affect your baby’s ability to feed properly.

How can I practice good early dental care at home?

The team at RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry takes the time to answer any questions you have regarding your child’s oral health. To take care of your little one’s teeth and gums at home, you should:

• Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for emerging teeth
• Try a teething ring or cool washcloth to soothe a teething baby’s gums
• Limit your baby’s sugar consumption

To speak with an experienced pediatric dentist about your baby’s oral health, call RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry, or schedule an appointment online today.