Early Infant Oral Care Services in New York City
Comprehensive Dental Cleaning for Infants
Infant oral health is an important part of your child’s health. To help keep your child healthy as they grow and develop, Dr. Robert N. Goldsmith and Dr. Jessica Lynch recommend taking steps to protect your child’s teeth even before they appear.
Call West Side Kids Dental at (844) 910-3557, and our pediatric dentists can help you plan your child’s early infant oral care in New York City, New York.
Essential Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
All infants should have a daily oral cleaning. Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe your baby’s gums to remove any lingering formula or milk and prevent bacteria buildup.
Primary teeth begin to erupt through the gum line at about 6 months of age and continue to gradually appear until about age 3. As soon as teeth begin to emerge from the gums, you should begin using a soft-bristle baby toothbrush to clean your infant’s teeth. Use a tiny smear of child-safe toothpaste for your child. After the age of 3, use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste to clean their teeth. You should clean your child’s teeth at least twice a day. We recommend that you brush and floss your child’s teeth for them until about age 7, when their motor skills will have developed enough for them to brush on their own.
You should always avoid giving your child a bottle filled with juice or other sweetened liquids. Around 1 year of age, it is recommended that you transition your child from a bottle to a sippy cup or straw cup. This will help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Your baby’s mouth may also become sore while teething. You can help them feel more comfortable by providing a chilled teething ring and by gently wiping the gums with a cold washcloth before and after meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby is crying from teething or a different ailment?
Teething usually causes localized symptoms like drooling, swollen gums, and a desire to chew, but it rarely causes a true high fever or systemic illness. Teething can cause mild irritability, low-grade temperature elevations (under 101°F), and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. However, if your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a persistent cough, these are signs of a viral or bacterial illness rather than teething, and you should consult your pediatrician.
Is it normal for my baby's gums to bleed when I brush their new teeth?
Minor bleeding can happen during teething or if plaque is building up, but persistent bleeding warrants a dental checkup. When a new tooth is actively cutting through the tissue, the surrounding gums become highly localized, swollen, and vascular, making them bleed easily when touched. Additionally, if plaque isn't completely removed, the gums can become inflamed (infantile gingivitis). Continue to brush gently with a soft-bristled brush; the bleeding should subside as the tooth fully emerges and the area is kept clean.
Book Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment Today!
When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist for your child’s first “well-baby” appointment. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to provide dental care for infants and young children to ensure that they remain healthy and develop correctly.
If you have any questions about early infant oral care in New York, please contact our office online or call (844) 910-3557.
