Maximizing Your Infant’s Oral Health: The Importance of Early Pediatric Dental Exams
When considering early childhood dental care, many parents are unsure when they need to bring their child for infant oral examinations. They may also believe that an infant should have an oral assessment only if oral health concerns exist. However, it is strongly recommended that all parents bring their children into the office upon the emergence of their first baby tooth or by their first birthday for an evaluation with a pediatric dental team in Westwood, Massachusetts.
If a newborn is having issues latching, nursing etc. you should bring them in right away for evaluation of lip or tongue ties. Many times these are disregarded by other providers due to lack of training and they put these little babies on medications. We work with ENT surgeons, Myofunctional Therapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and other specialists to manage these situations.
Why the team at Westwood Dentistry encourages parents to bring their infant in for a pediatric oral exam ?
At Westwood Dentistry, we understand the importance of early childhood oral health and how it can significantly impact a child’s overall smile in the long run. That is why Drs. Monica Anand, Anshuman Rawat, and the team encourage parents to bring their infants in for a pediatric oral exam before their first birthday. But why?
One of the main reasons we promote this is because it allows us to establish a strong foundation for your child’s dental health. By bringing them in early, we can monitor their dental development and address potential issues before they become more serious. This includes evaluation of tethered tissue (lip and tongue ties), jaw growth and developmental patterns.
Additionally, these early exams allow us to educate parents on proper at-home oral care techniques for infants. Many parents may not know how to care for their child’s teeth, and education on how to do so helps them feel more confident in keeping their child educated as well on their smile as they grow older.
If you have an upcoming appointment at Westwood Dentistry, you can expect to discuss your child’s dental needs and any necessary treatments with the dentist. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about taking care of your child’s smile now and in the future!
Are you ready for your baby’s first dental visit?
Contact the team at Westwood Dentistry of Westwood, Massachusetts, who can guide you through the process of an infant’s pediatric oral examination. Call (781) 514-6443 to request a visit to the office where we serve patients in Westwood, Massachusetts, and the surrounding cities.
