The first few years of a child's life will often set the foundation for many of their future traits and habits, such as the health of their teeth and gums. This is particularly difficult for parents that have never gone through the stressful time frame in which a child makes the transition from their baby teeth to their permanent teeth. For parents that are expecting a child or currently going through this period, here is a glimpse at some of the steps that can be taken while a child is teething as well as the importance of professional dental treatment for patients of all ages.
A Child's oral health will often start well before they are born, and this is why all mothers that are presently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should talk with their dentist at length to see what treatment options may be available to them. A pregnancy puts an incredible amount of stress on the body, and this will almost always affect a mother's oral health.
In this period, most specialists agree that a mother should hold back from any major oral surgeries that are not an emergency or absolutely essential, but they should have a thorough checkup during their second trimester. They should also speak with their dentist and their primary healthcare provider to discuss any medications that they may be taking that could impact the child and their oral health.
Once the child is born, it will typically not take more than a year for them to begin displaying signs of teething, and all parents should plan a dental checkup from the moment that their child's first tooth begins to appear. During this first appointment, the dentist will be able to work close by the parent's side, showing them the proper techniques for keeping the child's teeth and gum's healthy.
If the baby is in fact teething and the parents would like to soothe the pain, there are a few small steps that can be taken. First, the parent should consult with their doctor and dentist to ensure that there are no complications taking place, such as an oral infection caused by bacteria. The parents will then have a few options to soothe the child's discomfort.
One of the simplest options is to gently rub the baby's gums with a clean finger or a wet gauze pad. This can also be performed with a cool teething ring, one of the best solutions for a baby that is uncomfortable from teething. Once the tooth has shown up and there is a surface to do so, the parent can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to cleanse the tooth. This should be carried out every day or as often as the dental specialist suggests for the parent to do so.
Upland pediatric dentist at Upland Dental Practice can provide you with various tips for baby teeth and teething. This experienced kids and childrens dentist can provide your kids with the vital dental treatments they need.