Dentistry for Infants – Katy, TX

Taking Care of the Littlest Smiles

Even the youngest smiles deserve the right care and treatment. At Happy Chompers Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. A and his team offer dentistry for infants in Katy to ensure your little one’s smile is bright and healthy from the start. We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment by the time they are a year old or when their first tooth erupts. This will allow us to get a jumpstart on introducing good oral health habits as well as reducing the possibility of dental anxiety as your child grows older. If you’re ready to put your child on the path to healthier teeth and gums, contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Oral Health Risk Assessment

Offering a gentle touch and compassionate care, your child’s first visit to our office will include a quick exam and careful cleaning. Even if your little one only has one or two teeth, we will be able to provide you with helpful tools and tips to use at home to maintain their smile. Once your child’s teeth appear, we recommend you use a silicone finger brush or training toothbrush with a small head to keep their teeth clean. You will also only use a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste.

It is important that even before your child’s teeth begin to erupt that you thoroughly clean their gums with a wet washcloth after every feeding. It is also strongly suggested that unless it is filled with water, you should avoid giving your baby a bottle at bedtime, as this can cause tooth decay.

Teething

Whether you are first-time parents, or this is your second or third child, teething is never an enjoyable experience. While you may be excited that your infant’s teeth are coming in, the process can be painful for both you and your child. By gentling massaging their gums with a clean finger or providing them with a plastic teether, you can reduce the discomfort they are experiencing and even enjoy a quieter, more peaceful home. Dr. A is happy to be of any assistance should you feel you need additional help getting through this stage, so don’t hesitate to call!

Non-Nutritive Habits

Should you notice that your baby is sucking on its thumb or finger, don’t be alarmed as this is a common habit they can form. Even pacifier usage is normal. Unfortunately, at a certain point, these comforting mechanisms can lead to dental problems down the road and by the time you’re ready to “break the habit,” it will prove much more difficult. To help you and your child, your pediatric dentist can provide useful tips and tricks to keep oral developments from being an issue and make the process much easier on you and baby.

Lip & Tongue Tie

It is a common occurrence for a baby to have a lip or tongue tie. These soft bands of tissue restrict movements, making it difficult for your baby to breastfeed, which, in turn, will make it a more painful and difficult experience for you as the parent. The good news is that there is hope! We can quickly fix these problems by using a soft tissue laser to release the soft tissue and create an unrestricted movement for your child. Taking only minutes, this procedure is quick, easy, and painless for your little one.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is essential for your child’s teeth to remain protected from tooth decay. It is also beneficial at strengthening tooth enamel. At our office, Dr. A will be happy to provide fluoride treatment for your little one. We simply apply a topical treatment of fluoride to their teeth that is safe, effective, and will ensure your little one’s teeth are protected.