Early Childhood Dental Tips

Breast or Bottle Feeding

Prevent “baby bottle tooth decay” by limiting the time an infant is exposed to sugary liquids like milk or juice.
Children should not be put to sleep with a bottle. Allowing a child to suck on a bottle for longer than a mealtime can be hazardous to gums and erupting teeth.
Once your child can sit up, encourage him or her not to drink from a bottle while lying down; not only can liquids linger longer in the mouth, but drinking while lying down can also cause ear infections.
Juice should not be offered from a bottle, because sugars can linger in the mouth and promote cavities.
As a baby approaches his or her first birthday, parents should encourage drinking only from a cup versus a bottle.

Sucking a thumb or other finger is a normal habit and most toddlers stop by age two. If a toddler has not stopped sucking a thumb or finger by age four, contact our office.
If a child sucks a finger when permanent teeth are erupting, crowded or crooked teeth can result, as well as bite problems.

Pacifiers function in virtually the same way as a finger for a child and are acceptable until age two.
A pacifier habit is often easier to break than a finger-sucking habit, partially because you can simply take it away from a child.

Teething can last up to three years and can cause your child to have sore gums, as well as increased salivation, drooling and a slightly-elevated temperature.
To alleviate your child’s discomfort, give your child a chilled teething ring or a cool spoon. These will serve to numb your child’s gums.

Informational Articles