02
Oct
Pediatric Dentistry: What You Need to Know About Infant Oral Health Care
Prioritizing your baby’s oral health is essential for their well-being and development. However, it’s easy for oral care to take a back seat to immediate concerns like feeding and sleeping. From the moment your child is born, their oral health matters.
Triad Dentistry is proud to be your trusted pediatric dental office in Greensboro, North Carolina. Our board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Sona Isharani and Dr. Shima Ghattan are here to guide you through every step of your infant’s oral care, from daily hygiene practices to routine dental check-ups. Our pediatric dentistry goes beyond preventing cavities—it’s about building a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
What does infant oral care involve?
It’s important to take care of your baby’s smile right from birth. Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, the oral care tips below will help your little one maintain optimal oral health.
• Oral hygiene routine: Oral hygiene is vital even though your newborn doesn’t have teeth. Wipe your child’s gums from 0-6 months with a clean, wet cloth. When the first tooth erupts from around six months, clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water, in addition to wiping the gums. Don’t use toothpaste until your child learns how to spit. At age two, more teeth will have come in, and now you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Please encourage your child not to swallow it to avoid fluorosis. Slowly start teaching your child how to brush and floss their teeth. Most children can clean their teeth independently by the age of six or seven.
• Dental check-ups: Despite how well you care for your child’s oral health, the dentist has to be part of the equation. Dr. Isharani and Dr. Ghattan recommend bringing your infant by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. Oral check-ups continue every six months and become part of your child’s dental care. These routine visits allow us to monitor your child’s oral development and provide timely interventions when necessary, ensuring their smile stays healthy as they grow.
• Monitor their diet: Continued baby bottle-feeding can cause cavities, especially when left in the mouth for too long. Encourage your child to use a cup at 12 months. At this age, most babies have the coordination and skills to hold a cup and drink from it. Promote healthy habits and reduce the frequency of sweetened drinks like juices. As your child grows, closely monitor their eating habits, limiting the consumption of candies, sodas, chocolates, and other sugary foods.
• Watch out for thumb-sucking and other poor habits: Thumb-sucking is a natural way for children to seek comfort and security. It often continues until age four, and most kids break the habit independently. However, when this oral habit continues past ages 4-6, it can lead to teeth misalignment, speech issues, and other problems. Help your child stop prolonged thumb sucking, and talk to your dentist if you need help. Furthermore, watch out for tongue thrusting and mouth breathing—they can affect your child’s oral development.
Ready for pediatric dental care?
Triad Dentistry provides high-quality dental care to all children at every stage of life. Call (336) 383-1482 to schedule an appointment with our pediatric team. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or a routine check-up, you can trust that they’ll be in caring and experienced hands.
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Dr. Steven L. Hatcher is a skilled dentist with extensive expertise in oral health and
patient care. A University of North Carolina alumnus with a background in biology and cancer research, Dr.
Hatcher's military service at prestigious locations, including Fort Meade and the Pentagon, underscores his
commitment to excellence. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of several
professional associations. Recognized for his dedication through numerous awards, including Army
Commendation Medals, Dr. Hatcher continually advances his knowledge through ongoing education. His
patient-centered approach ensures personalized, long-term oral wellness.
Dr. Chad T. Merrell, a dedicated dentist with 16 years of experience, combines his deep expertise and advanced training to provide exceptional care. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus and Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Merrell is skilled in advanced dental techniques. His commitment to patient care, treating each as family, underscores his trustworthiness. His background includes a B.S. in Zoology from N.C. State University and an Eagle Scout honor, highlighting his long-standing dedication to excellence. You can trust Dr. Merrell for compassionate, cutting-edge dental care.
Dr. Sona J. Isharani is a board-certified pediatric dentist renowned for her compassionate care and expertise. With a background that combines hands-on parenting experience and specialized training, Dr. Isharani excels in creating a comforting, home-like environment for children and their families. Affectionately known as "Dr. Sona," she emphasizes education and preventive care to ensure lifelong dental health. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry, she provides exceptional dental care and maintains continuity of care as children transition to adulthood, reflecting her commitment to building trust and fostering long-term relationships with her patients.
Dr. Bailey Walker is a dedicated general dentist known for her compassionate care and patient-centered approach. With a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biology from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Southern Illinois University, she combines extensive academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Dr. Walker is pursuing a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. Her community engagement includes dental mission trips and volunteering for underserved populations. Dr. Walker’s emphasis on patient education and her caring nature foster a trusted, positive dental experience.
Dr. Chad T. Merrell, a dedicated dentist with 16 years of experience, combines his deep expertise and advanced training to provide exceptional care. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus and Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Merrell is skilled in advanced dental techniques. His commitment to patient care, treating each as family, underscores his trustworthiness. His background includes a B.S. in Zoology from N.C. State University and an Eagle Scout honor, highlighting his long-standing dedication to excellence. You can trust Dr. Merrell for compassionate, cutting-edge dental care.
Dr. Sona J. Isharani is a board-certified pediatric dentist renowned for her compassionate care and expertise. With a background that combines hands-on parenting experience and specialized training, Dr. Isharani excels in creating a comforting, home-like environment for children and their families. Affectionately known as "Dr. Sona," she emphasizes education and preventive care to ensure lifelong dental health. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry, she provides exceptional dental care and maintains continuity of care as children transition to adulthood, reflecting her commitment to building trust and fostering long-term relationships with her patients.
Dr. Bailey Walker is a dedicated general dentist known for her compassionate care and patient-centered approach. With a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biology from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Southern Illinois University, she combines extensive academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Dr. Walker is pursuing a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. Her community engagement includes dental mission trips and volunteering for underserved populations. Dr. Walker’s emphasis on patient education and her caring nature foster a trusted, positive dental experience.
