Being a new parent is an overwhelming and beautiful thing. You can be so excited and so scared all at once. It’s quite the feeling. At the beginning there seems like there is so much information to take in and you worry that you may not be able to remember it all. Don’t worry. It will all come in time and all you need to worry about is how to take care and love that precious baby. One thing that you should not have to worry about is your child’s dental care needs. Here are some simple tips for new parents on how to keep your child’s smile as healthy as can be from an early age.

Begin an Oral Health Care Routine
You may wonder if you need to clean a baby’s mouth if they have no teeth yet. Well wonder no more because the answer is Yes! Baby’s first tooth usually will not come in until they are 8 months or older but it’s still so important to keep their mouth clean. You can do this by using a damp cloth and gently rubbing it over their gums. You may also choose to use a very soft, baby toothbrush. This choice is fine just remember to use very low amount of pressure and avoid upsetting their sensitive gums.

Establish Healthy Habits
If your child takes a bottle make sure you don’t let them go to sleep with it. This can cause baby bottle tooth decay. If you are worried about this please give our office a call and we can help. Once your child moves in to beginning solid foods introduce them to some mouth-healthy food that will help their body and smile. Soft foods like bananas, cooked sweet potatoes and avocado are a wonderful choice.

Find a Dental Home
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to establish a dental home for their children before their first birthday. This is a perfect time to choose a comfortable dental home for your child. A pediatric dentist office like ours is the perfect place for your little one. We will be able to diagnose any issues that your child may have specific for their little mouths. Our friendly and child-centered office will make your child feels right at home which is the perfect way to introduce them into the dental world. While parenting can be overwhelming choosing a dentist should not be. Take comfort in knowing that at Hines Little Smiles we put the needs of your child first. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.