Family Dentist in San Antonio: 8 Things to Know About Your Baby’s Teeth

family dentist in san antonio

Life is hectic for new parents and some function on very little sleep for several months. At William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we don’t want the first year to fly by in a blur without busy parents giving a thought to their baby’s teeth. Unfortunately “out of sight, out of mind” can become the overriding philosophy for exhausted parents in Texas, but it’s never too late for new parents to create a plan with their family dentist in San Antonio.

Tips on Improving Oral Health for Children

1. Before the first teeth appear, wipe gums with a soft damp cloth or piece of gauze after feeding.

2. Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Most new San Antonio parents are cautioned from the beginning not to put babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. However, since baby-bottle dental cavities are still fairly common, this warning bears repetition. Baby bottle tooth decay is entirely preventable. If your baby will not sleep without a bottle, use only water. Moms who breastfeed should understand that breast milk is just as effective at creating an environment for decay. Additionally, if your child uses a pacifier, don’t dip it in sugar or honey.

3. Take your infant to see a family dentist in San Antonio early on. That’s right, we said infant. Your child’s first dental exam should occur when the first teeth erupt, usually between six months and one year of age.

4. When your baby’s first tooth peeks through, begin brushing gently with a small, soft toothbrush and a grain of rice sized dot of fluoride toothpaste. This helps with keeping that tooth decay-free while allowing your baby to get comfortable with regular oral hygiene.

5. From the ages of 3 to 6, the amount of toothpaste can increase to a pea-sized dab. Most children swallow instead of spitting. You don’t want your child to swallow more than a minuscule smear of toothpaste. While fluoride is critical, too much can be harmful.

6. Consider dental sealants. Sealants protect the teeth and prevent cavities by filling in the cracks and fissures where food particles can hide. Sealants are especially critical in the back teeth which, due to the abundance of crevasses, are hardest to clean properly. During your child’s first check-up at our San Antonio office, you can talk to William Stewart about sealants. Sealants aren’t usually applied until all of the teeth have come in, but it’s a good idea to seek the guidance of a family dentist in San Antonio on your first visit.

7. Talk to your dentist about pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or any other habits that affect teeth and jaw development.

8. Teach your toddler to drink from a cup as soon as possible. The fewest months your child uses a bottle, the better. Even if your child loves his bottle, you are going to have to take it away sooner or later.

At William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we love our littlest patients. To make an appointment for your child, call us today at 210-493-3040. For parents and other adults, we also offer services such as clear braces, gum disease treatment, and emergency dental care.

Contact William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:

210-493-3040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13220 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas
78230

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