Right around the time infants turn six months, parents begin to notice a change in their baby’s behavior: Babies begin teething. This can be a difficult time for infants as their gums start to itch, and cause pain. Dr. Michelle, a pediatric dentist at Pedodontic Associates—with locations on Oahu and Maui—suggests that mothers wipe their child’s gums at an early age. This allows children to get used to their parent’s presence in their mouth. 

Take a look at a few more oral health care tips for parents with infants:

• Utilize Painkillers: On the days when infants get irritable, there is a solution. Dr. Michelle suggests systematic painkillers like Tylenol or ibuprofen instead of topical gels. It's easy for parents to unknowingly give infants too much of a topical gel. Cold teething rings are also helpful for their gums.
• See A Pediatric Dentist: Parents are often unsure when is the best time to take their child to a pediatric dentist. The dentists at Dentists at Pedodontic Associates recommend getting dental care within six months of their first tooth eruption.
• Be Careful Of Bacteria: It’s perfectly normal for parents to share food with their little ones. But parents should be aware of their own oral health history before sharing food with their child. When parents share food, kids can catch bacteria that cause cavities.
• Reduce Snack Food: Often children like to eat multiple snacks throughout the day, sometimes replacing a full meal. Dentists recommend eating snacks twice per day. “Constant grazers are feeding their oral bacteria and tend to get more decay,” says Dr. Michelle.
• Avoid Sticky Snacks: Stay aware from sticky snacks such as freeze dried yogurt or fruit. If they do indulge, check their teeth for stuck-on pieces since they don't use their tongues to clean their teeth. 

To schedule an appointment with the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates, call (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. Visit the website for more information.