Babies are adventurous — it’s part of their curious nature. But while exploratory activity benefits a developing child, this inquisitiveness can increase the risk of injury, including those of the mouth. That’s why Dr. Allen K. Hirai, DDS, of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala encourages parents to take precautions to protect infants from incurring oral injuries. Committed to caring for the oral health of Oahu’s youngest residents, this Honolulu, HI, children’s dentist offers a few essential steps to mouth injury prevention.

Children’s Dentist Shares 5 Tips to Prevent Mouth Injuries in Infants

1. Reduce Fall Risk

Despite kids’ eagerness to walk, they lack control over their balance and speed. To make sure a lack of coordination doesn’t result in a mouth injury, reduce as many fall risks as possible. Children’s dentists recommend using safety gates on stairways, keeping areas well lit, and putting climbable furniture into storage.

2. Invest in Soft-Tip Spoons

When infants start eating solids, they will likely want to chew on the spoon. If the cutlery is metal, it can cut gum tissue and cause bleeding. Practice gentle feeding with a soft-tip spoon to eliminate this risk.

3. Provide Safe Teething Options   

Young ones tend to chew a lot when their baby teeth start coming in. To satiate their cravings and keep them from munching on jagged objects, provide them with safe teething toys.

4. Move Mouth-Level Furniture

Young children are full of energy and want to run around, so there’s always a risk they may collide mouth-first with a chair or table. This impact may cause bleeding and harm developing teeth. Keep dangerous furniture out of the house until little ones grow taller.

Protecting your child’s oral health isn’t just about keeping a sharp eye on injury risks; it also requires ongoing pediatric dental care. If you’re a parent on Oahu looking to safeguard your baby’s smile, Dr. Hirai is a trusted children’s dentist. Check out his website to learn why patients love the friendly office atmosphere of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. And whether it’s time for a first dental visit or cavity care, schedule an appointment by calling (808) 737-0076 today.