MOMS are SPECIAL... MOMS always know before a child gets a new tooth. Call it mothers' intuition or ESP. Even a new mom who hasn't experienced the phenomenon before knows her child's temperament is different before the "teething" starts (usually at 6 months old) and of course usually figures out how to soothe her child during this very uncomfortable stage. Frozen wash rags and teething rings are very soothing. With my daughters, my wife used to get the hard baked Dutch pretzels and they would gnaw on them for hours!! Sometimes the gums get so sore during eruption that it helps to use an over the counter numbing agent. It's a liquid so only a little is necessary otherwise a baby's whole mouth goes numb and they start crying even louder!
Care for baby's 1st teeth is very important. Most pediatricians do an oral exam on infants but by the child's 1st birthday it's time to take the child to the dentist. I always encourage Mom and/or Dad to bring her baby to her or his appointment when the child is 6 months to 1 year old. Now many dentists, myself included, feel it's most appropriate to bring your child in for their first dental appointment (I call it a Happy Visit) between 2-3 years. At that age most children will actually sit in the chair by themselves and cooperate fully with the dental team. Having said that, I'm always happy to meet with Mom and/or Dad and baby at 1 year in order to teach, especially 1st time Moms and or Dad, about infant dental care. Habits of brushing and flossing must start early and of course the responsibility falls on Mom and or Dad! This is where dads can give MOM a really mother's day present and share the ritual of oral care. I have to say one of the most important lessons you can give your child is to have them "witness" you flossing and brushing your own teeth!
We all know that 1st time parents are very eager to do the right thing (dare I say overprotective... I was certainly guilty!). That's why I find it very ironic when the 2nd child seems to have more dental disease then the 1st child, even though it seems we are treating the both children identically the same. More times than not we parents have learned from our mistakes. However, for many reasons, not to make parents feel guilty, each individual child has his or her own risks of getting tooth decay. Remember that it takes a combination of genetic factors (hard or soft teeth is an old wife's tale), bacteria and sugar for decay to form. Healthy snacks still contain sugar so it's still most important to build good habits early and clean your child's teeth after each meal AND snack! I get the funniest look from kids who have been taught to brush and floss every morning and bedtime when I ask "how many times a day do you eat" and when they say 3 times and I say you eat 3 times a day but you only clean your teeth 2 times a day! Their little faces just light up! But again…. extra work for Mom and/or Dadto get kids to brush after lunch!!!
Let' face it... the best present you can give your MOM is a big SMILE and hug and thank her for all the wonderful things she's done selflessly for you. THANKS MOM!
(Dedicated to Faye S. Waldman 1923-2011)
As always, please remember to always swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes.
-Dr. Rob-
Please visit my webpage roberthwaldmandds.com and feel free to email me at robwaldmandds@gmail.com with any questions.
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