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1.28.2010

Oral Care

Yesterday, I finally took the time to call my dentists office. Jude has two teeth (as you all know) and before long will be getting more... and more... and more...

I had read once that when they start getting teeth, some dentists like to see them, just to check them out and pretty much introduce themselves. Not being sure if this was my dentist's procedure (or if my dentist even took children), I decided to check. In addition, I had some questions about what they would recommend as the proper way to care for Jude little friends.

They told me they do not normally see children until they are about 3 years old. If there is a problem before then, they recommend that we take him to a pediatric dentist and that in the event we need to do this, they have one they recommend.

They advised me at the 3 year visit, Jude would be introduced to the office, he would get to play with "mr sun" (who is really the light that they shine in your face during check ups), etc. It really sounded like they were used to dealing with kids. It made me confident that when the time comes, there's no reason to see a separate dentist for Jude.

In addition, they answered a few questions about early oral care.

Up to this point, Jude had one of those nubby gum brushes that he loves. In the morning while I'm holding him while brushing my teeth, he gets his little brush and chews and plays. I know that he's not being very effective, but I liked that he was getting the idea that it is routine and something that mommy had to do too.

The dentist said this was great and that at this point we should be gently wiping his gums after meals and nursing, with a small piece of gauze, a paper towel, etc.

Finally, she said when Ryan and I go in for our next check up, she would send us home with a toothbrush they recommend for babies. Around the 1 year mark is when she suggested we should get a tube of children's toothpaste and actually start brushing his teeth. She did not recommend one over the other and said they're all effective at doing the same thing.

I feel like this is all stuff I could have figured out on my own, but of course, it's nice to hear it from someone who specializes in these sorts of things.

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