Recognizing The Benefits of Dental Implants

Good oral hygiene isn't just for adults. Babies' teeth need just as much attention, if not more, to ensure a healthy, happy future. Here are three things to look out for as your baby develops teeth:

Thumb Sucking

Babies are so cute when they suck away on their little thumbs or fingers. Sometimes, they even go for the toes, too! Yet excessive thumb-sucking,   particularly after infancy, can misalign the teeth and/or the jaws. The consequences can include speech impediments, crooked teeth, and an overbite or underbite, just to name a few. Some ways to combat excessive thumb-sucking include:

• Encouraging your child to wean off sucking their thumbs, fingers, or other objects. Try occupying their hands with something else, such as a game.
• Using positive reinforcement, rather than scolding your child. Focusing on positive behavior will help them disassociate thumb-sucking with reward.
• Removing the thumb, fingers, or objects from their mouth if you catch your child sucking in their sleep

Bottle Feeding

Sure, your little one is going to be drinking from a bottle, but there is a safe way to do it. Be sure to know the risks of this feeding habit. A common yet preventable oral concern among babies are cavities and tooth decay caused by bottle nursing. Recurring exposure to substances such as milk, fruit juices, and sugary beverages can wear away at your little one's teeth. There are several ways to prevent this issue:

• Calm your baby with something others than bottle nursing. Try rocking them to sleep, singing to them, or using a pacifier or water-filled bottle.
• Avoid sugar when you can. This includes coating pacifiers or bottle nipples with sugar and feeding your little one sugary drinks.
• Clean your baby's teeth after feeding. You can use water or a damp cloth to wipe the mouth, gums, and teeth.

Teething

While teething is a natural part of babyhood for all children, it can be quite uncomfortable for some babies. Your child may develop a rash from biting down on their lips or other objects, or excess saliva may drip onto their face. There are definitely ways to make teething less of a burden:

• Use teething rings to gently massage your child's gums. These objects are also safer to bite on than everyday objects.
• A prescribed medication may ease the pain and discomfort, but ask your doctor first.

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