Dentistry for Infants – Worcester, MA
Providing the Delicate Care That Young Smiles Need
There are few things as precious as your child’s smile – so you should want to take great care of it from a very young age! And believe it or not, dental care begins even before your child’s teeth have arrived. Here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln, our team excels in providing young, budding smiles with the delicate, crucial care they need to grow into happy, radiant grins. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your child, please contact our Worcester office today.
Why Choose Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln for Dentistry for Infants?
- Inviting & Kid-Friendly Dental Office
- CareCredit Financing available
- Dental Insurance & MassHealth Welcome
Oral Health Risk Assessment
We recommend bringing your child in for their first appointment as soon as their first tooth begins appearing, and certainly no later than their first birthday. This may seem early, but there are several important reasons for this. During this visit, we’ll perform a thorough assessment of their oral health, which is essentially a gentle exam that looks at their developing teeth, gums, jaw, and other oral structures. We’ll be sure that you’re involved with this process too, and we’ll help you put together a plan to take care of your child’s growing smile. We’ll also happily answer any questions you may have about their developing dental health; we understand that knowledge can help you feel confident about your little one’s future dental wellness!
Teething
Let’s be honest; teething isn’t easy, both for children and their parents. Not only is it uncomfortable for infants, but parents must tend to their little ones’ discomfort. If your child is teething, there are a few things you can try at home. Softly massaging the gums with your clean finger can help to reduce any discomfort, as can giving your child a teething toy; just use safe ones made from hard plastic that don’t have any small parts. You should avoid teething crackers or candies, as these actually end up exposing their newly erupting teeth to quite a bit of sugar. Of course, if you have any other questions about how to help your child navigate this process, please give us a call!
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been safely used in several kinds of oral healthcare products for decades. It’s also often added to local tap water sources for this reason. When it’s exposed to the teeth, it has the unique ability to strengthen the enamel and repair minor damage. Fluoride is also especially useful for young smiles since it can help in the development of the permanent teeth. Just know that fluoride can be harmful to very young children if it is used too early. As we monitor your child’s dental development, we’ll keep in mind when it’s time to begin adding fluoride treatments to their normal checkups. We’ll also inform you when they can start using fluoride toothpaste.
Non-Nutritive Habits
Thumb and finger-sucking are very common for young children; these habits provide a strong sense of comfort and security. But as a child’s teeth start to develop, thumb and finger-sucking can actually prove detrimental to dental health, and issues with alignment and problems with the shape of the mouth and jaw can arise. Getting a strong-willed or stubborn child to stop these habits can sometimes be challenging, but our team can offer you some proven strategies that focus on positive reinforcement, rather than punishment, that are certain to help curb this behavior. Sometimes, even small oral appliances can be used to help; we’ll let you know what we think and plan out an effective solution with you!