Must-Have Teething Solutions for Baby

Access Dental and Dentures loves taking care of people's dental needs at every age! One of the most important stages of dental health and development is when a baby is teething. Teething can be a frustrating and painful process... For both the baby and the parents! If you are looking for ways to help promote healthy development for your baby's teeth, look no further. As the best dental clinic in southern Missouri, we have the answers to help! 

Massage 

Gum Massage

When your baby is experiencing a lot of pain from teeth trying to break through their gums, very gentle massage of their gums can help. Thoroughly clean your hands, then use your finger to rub their gums in a circular motion. The pressure counteracts the outward pressure from their teeth and can help alleviate pain. 

Foot Massage

Surprisingly enough, there may be pressure points in the feet that connect to the jaw and teeth. Gently massaging your baby's feet, especially their toes, could help their gums feel better. Even if there isn't a direct connection between your baby's feet and teeth, there are huge relaxation and soothing benefits that come from foot massage.

Use Cold 

When a baby's gums are in pain from teeth trying to break through, applying something cold can help numb the pain and sooth the inflammation. 

Washcloth

Run a clean washcloth in cold water, wring out the excess water, and apply the washcloth to the baby's teeth. You can give them the cold washcloth to chew on or use it to try massaging their teeth as well. Just make sure the washcloth doesn't present a choking hazard. 

Refrigerated Pacifier & Teething Toys

Chewing on a pacifier or teething toy can have great benefits to your baby when they are teething. Adding the cold element makes it even more soothing for your little one. Try putting them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Note: Don't leave them in the freezer too long. Fully frozen temperatures can be harmful to your baby's soft gums. 

Chilled Fruits

Once your baby has moved from milk to solid foods, you can mash up fruit and chill it for a soothing, tasty treat! Bananas, strawberries, peaches, and pears are great fruits to start with. Note: Any time your baby is trying something for the first time, be sure to monitor them for an allergic reaction. 

Milk Popsicle

If your baby is refusing to nurse or eat because the pain is bothering them so much, then making a milk popsicle could be the perfect solution. Your baby will enjoy the cool sensation and will be more likely to accept the treat. The milk popsicle can continue to give them the nutrients and hydration they need. 

The Last Resort

If your baby is still in an incredible amount of pain, then it may be time for medication. Always ask your pediatrician before given your little one any kind of medicine. Don't use numbing gels designed for teething. Even though they may claim to be safe and effective, they can make it hard for your baby to swallow due to the numbing agent. This could go from bad to worse very quickly. 

Depend on Your Expert Dentist! 

Once your baby's first tooth comes through their gums,  you should schedule an appointment with your local Missouri dentist within six months. At Access Dental and Dentures, we love taking care of kids and making their experience at the dentist feel safe and fun. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment and learn more about pediatric dentistry! 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Common Dental Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can change a lot of things about your body - and your dental health is definitely one of those things! With all of the additional doctor's appointments you're going to for the pregnancy, you may not feel like going to yet another medical appointment. But, your dental health is very important and can affect your overall health. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist near you (We have four convenient locations in Southern Missouri!), and we are here to help you navigate your dental health while you're expecting. 

Infection and Decay

When you are pregnant, your body can have a harder time fighting off infection. This is true across the board. While you may be focused on not contracting a cold or stomach bug, it is important to also remember your mouth and teeth. Your body could be struggling with fighting off bacteria and plaque buildup while pregnant. This additional buildup is bad news for your teeth and can cause cavities to occur more quickly. Pay close attention to your oral health during pregnancy to help ensure no serious infections or decay occurs.

Pregnancy Tumors

There is a strange phenomenon that can occur with pregnancy called pregnancy tumors. These growths occur under the skin of your mouth and are cause by excess plaque. Help prevent these inconvenient tumors by keeping your mouth clean with diligent dental habits.

Gums

During pregnancy, it is common for mothers to suffer from gum inflammation. This is most common during the second trimester. Your gums could experience tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding. It is important to take special care when choosing a tooth brush that is soft bristled to prevent further aggravation of your sensitive gums. If it lasts for an extended period of time or hinders your daily life, it might be time to make an appointment with your local dentist to see if something more serious is happening.

When Baby Arrives

Infant oral care is very important. Even though your little one won’t have teeth when they first arrive, it is important to keep their mouth clean and help them start getting used to a good oral health routine early. At first, simply use a clean washcloth or baby toothbrush to wipe their gums. This will help remove milk residue that could be lingering in their mouths.

As soon as teeth appear, start using a toothbrush during their daily routine. Start by simply brushing away food particles with the toothbrush and water. When your child is a little more advanced, you can add toothpaste to the routine. (Start with a child-friendly toothpaste until they get used to not swallowing it.)

The age of two is about the time your child should start visiting the dentist to make sure all their teeth are coming in well and there are no concerning issues.

Your Missouri Dentist

When you're expecting a little one, a lot of things change. You have to focus more diligently on your health to make sure your developing baby is also healthy. As the best dentist in Southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures would love to be your dental health resource. Give us a call and set up an appointment to make sure everything is good with your oral health. We would love to help and be there for you! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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What to Expect (with Dental Health) While Expecting!

Pregnancy is a beautiful, exciting, and sometimes stressful time in a mom’s life. It can be easy to forget about dental care with so many things to think about while you’re pregnant, but it’s important that you don’t neglect your oral health routine. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist office in the Springfield area, and we have the tips and information you need to feel confident about your dental health during your pregnancy. Read on to learn more about what to expect for your teeth when you’re expecting!

Gums

During pregnancy, it is common for mothers to suffer from gum inflammation. This is most common during the second trimester. Your gums could experience tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding. It is important to take special care when choosing a tooth brush that is soft bristled to prevent further aggravation of your sensitive gums. If it lasts for an extended period of time or hinders your daily life, it might be time to make an appointment with your local dentist to see if something more serious is happening.

Infection and Decay

When you are pregnant, your body can have a harder time fighting off infection. This is true across the board. While you may be focused on not contracting a cold or stomach bug, it is important to also remember your mouth and teeth. Your body could be struggling with fighting off bacteria and plaque buildup while pregnant. This additional buildup is bad news for your teeth and can cause cavities to occur more quickly. Pay close attention to your oral health during pregnancy to help ensure no serious infections or decay occurs.

Pregnancy Tumors

There is a strange phenomenon that can occur with pregnancy called pregnancy tumors. These growths occur under the skin of your mouth and are cause by excess plaque. Help prevent these inconvenient tumors by keeping your mouth clean with diligent dental habits.

When Baby Arrives

Infant oral care is very important. Even though your little one won’t have teeth when they first arrive, it is important to keep their mouth clean and help them start getting used to a good oral health routine early. At first, simply use a clean washcloth or baby toothbrush to wipe their gums. This will help remove milk residue that could be lingering in their mouths. 

As soon as teeth appear, start using a toothbrush during their daily routine. Start by simply brushing away food particles with the toothbrush and water. When your child is a little more advanced, you can add toothpaste to the routine. (Start with a child-friendly toothpaste until they get used to not swallowing it.) 

The age of two is about the time your child should start visiting the dentist to make sure all their teeth are coming in well and there are no concerning issues.

Dental Resource in Missouri

Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri. We pride ourselves on prioritizing our patients’ health and wellness. If you are expecting a new little one, or already have a small child at home, give us a call and set up an appointment. We would love to answer your questions and help keep you and the kiddos healthy and happy!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Quick Tips for Infant Oral Care

As a new parent, oral care may be the last thing on your mind. Our dentist near Springfield, MO knows this is a busy time for you and your little but oral care is important for your baby. Even before your child has teeth, you can start a good oral care routine. Placing an importance on cleaning teeth can help promote healthy oral care from the start. Take a look below to learn some quick (because we know you're busy) tips for your child's oral care!

Start Them Young

Even before your child's teeth come in, it's important to clean his or her mouth. Wipe off the gums with a warm washcloth or gauze after each feeding. There are also small soft rubbery devices that fit over the parent's finger to help cleanse your baby's gums. It's never too early to get started cleaning your child's gums and teeth!

Care for Teeth from the Start

After your child's teeth come in, start taking care of them with an oral care routine right away. Many times parents think baby teeth aren't important because they will just fall out... but it's a great way to start promoting proper oral care at a young age and help to prevent gingivitis. These teeth actually are important because improve spacing for the permanent teeth to come through.

Quick Teething Tips

A child who has teeth emerging through the gum surface may be fussier than normal, due to the pain (hang in there parents, this too shall pass). Having a teething toy or teething ring handy can help alleviate this pain for your child. Freezing a wet washrag is another great teething solution if you don't have a teething toy on hand. There are also numbing ointments available for teething children. It's best to help your child reach a comfortable level when his or her teeth are popping through the surface.

Visit Access Dental & Dentures

Your child should visit a dentist within the first year of life. The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a baby get his or her first dental exam within six months of the first tooth emerging. This is a great opportunity for your child to get used to the dentist and helps promote proper oral care, even at a young age. Contact our southern Missouri dentist to schedule your child's first appointment today. Here at Access Dental And Dentures, we LOVE kids. Sometimes a dentist gets a bag sigma, but we're here to prove to you and your child that it isn't the case when you visit us! Give us a call at 877-DENTIST to get your child's appointment on the books! We look forward to seeing you and your little one soon!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447        (573) 348-1466                       (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine      416 S. Bishop Ave.  4320 Osage Beach Pkwy       921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove

Infant Dental Care Tips

There are a TON of things to worry about as a new parent. Dental hygiene may not be at the top of your things to think about. That's why Access Dental & Dentures is focusing on dental care for babies in this week's blog. If you are expecting or have a little one at home already, it's important to think about dental care. Take a look below for some quick tips on how to properly care for child's pearly whites (even if they aren't in yet).

Start Early

Before your child's teeth start coming in, try to keep their gums clean on a regular basis. At least once a day, take a warm washcloth or "baby" toothbrush and wipe their gums off. This can help get them used to brushing from the start AND clean off gums from any milk residue that may be present.

Brush Right Away

As soon as your child starts getting teeth, incorporate brushing into your daily routine. This can help them get used to brushing and taking care of their teeth. There are a number of child toothbrushes on the market. Find the right fit and feel for your little one's teeth.

Know the Causes of Cavities

Not brushing or wiping food residue off teeth is a main cause of cavities in little ones. That's why it's so important to incorporate brushing into their daily routine from a young age. Also, letting your child sleep in their crib with a bottle can lead to cavities. It's best to feed your child, then brush their teeth before they go to sleep.

Incorporate Toothpaste Into Their Routine

After the age of two (or when your dentist recommends), you can start adding toothpaste to the toothbrush. Before this age, your little one may swallow the toothpaste as a reaction. There are specific kinds of toothpaste for little kids and may be worth investing in (in case they do swallow some).

Schedule an Exam

Now that you know how to properly care for your little one's baby teeth, you're ready to start implementing oral care into your routine. Don't forget to have your baby visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth growing in. This can help get your little one used to being in the dental office (and having a hygienist look around their mouth). It can also ensure your babies' teeth are coming in as they should. If you need to make an appointment for your infant, contact our southern Missouri dentist at 877-DENTIST. We look forward to making your child's first dental experience a positive one!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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Follow us on Google+





Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447        (573) 348-1466                       (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine      416 S. Bishop Ave.  4320 Osage Beach Pkwy       921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove