Taking Care of Clinton Township’s Tiny Smiles – Infant Tooth Care

Baby teeth! They certainly are cute, but they do more than brighten a tiny smile – they let children chew properly, help them speak, and maintain space for adult teeth. So even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are not disposable. We recommend doing everything possible to retain them until the adult teeth are ready to replace them.

Here are a few important ways to keep baby’s smile healthy:

• Never let baby take a bottle to bed.  Liquids such as juice, milk, or formula contain sugars that will stay in contact with your child’s teeth and cause cavities, sometimes lots of them!  If your little one really wants a bottle in bed, fill it with water.

• Start a dental hygiene routine very early. You can start protecting baby teeth before  they even erupt by cleaning baby’s gums with a wet, clean cloth. This not only clears away bacteria, it also helps your child get used to the idea of having having his or her mouth cleaned.

• Establish a good routine for yourself and allow your child to watch you brush and floss.

• Give your child fluoridated water. By the age of 6 months, it is a good idea for baby to start getting some fluoride in her diet. Bottled water does not contain any.

• Emphasise calcium in your child’s diet. Calcium is a principal ingredient for preventing tooth decay, especially for growing children. And while milk is a great source of calcium, other options are leafy greens such as broccoli and spinach, Brazil nuts, and dried beans.

• See your dentist! We recommend that your child see a dentist either when the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. We will talk to you about your child’s habits, check to make sure teeth and jaw are developing properly, show you a few brushing tips, and answer any questions you might have.

Remember, keeping those little teeth is the first important step toward a lifetime of health. For more information about childhood dentistry and caring for your infant’s teeth, call Dr. Alex or Sophia Masters at our Clinton Township dental office.

About The Author

Dr. Sophia Papasifakis Masters

Dr. Sophia Masters boasts 33 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Skilled in different dental procedures, she had advanced training in several prestigious dental institutions such as the Kois Center and The Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry. She is a professional member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, she actively volunteers for Donated Dental Services, among others, and was an adjunct clinical faculty at Detroit Mercy Dental and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

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