Baby Oral Health Program (BOHP)

At Paris Dental Centre, a trusted family practice since 1979, we believe every child deserves the healthiest start in life—and that begins with their smile. Our Baby Oral Health Program is designed to guide young families through the early stages of dental care, fostering positive habits and ensuring a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.

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From your baby’s first tooth to their first dental visit, we’re here to support you every step of the way with a compassionate, family-oriented approach that prioritizes comfort and education.

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Why Baby Teeth Matter

You might think baby teeth aren’t that important since they eventually fall out, but they play a vital role in your child’s overall development:

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• Chewing and Nutrition: Healthy teeth make it easier for your baby to eat a variety of foods, ensuring proper growth.
• Speech Development: Baby teeth help your child learn to form sounds and words.
• Saving Space for Adult Teeth: They act as placeholders, guiding permanent teeth into position.
• Confidence Building: A healthy smile boosts your child’s self-esteem and happiness.

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Protecting your child’s baby teeth from cavities ensures a pain-free, positive experience with their developing smile.

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‍Preventing Cavities: Early Protection Matters

‍Cavities can develop quickly in baby teeth due to their thinner enamel. Here’s what we’re helping you prevent:

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• Pain and discomfort.
• Difficulty eating and speaking.
• Infections that can spread.
• Potential issues with developing permanent teeth.

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By focusing on prevention and education, we work together to avoid these complications and create a foundation of trust and health.

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‍Feeding Practices: Building Healthy Habits

‍The way your child eats and drinks plays a big role in their oral health:

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• Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding: Breastfeeding is wonderful for your baby, but prolonged or nighttime feeding without cleaning their mouth can lead to decay. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains water.
• Juice and Sugary Drinks: Limit juice to mealtimes and avoid sugary drinks like sodas, which can erode enamel and lead to cavities.
• Solid Foods: Introduce a variety of healthy, tooth-friendly snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.

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Our team is here to guide you in creating feeding routines that work for your family while keeping your baby’s teeth healthy.

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Snacking: Why Timing Matters More Than Quantity

‍It’s not just what your child eats but how often they eat that affects their oral health. Frequent snacking keeps teeth bathed in sugars and acids, increasing the risk of cavities.

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• Stick to structured snack times rather than constant grazing.
• Choose snacks that are nutritious and easy on the teeth, like yogurt, whole fruits, and crunchy vegetables.
• Offer water between meals to help rinse away food particles and neutralize acids.

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Gentle Oral Hygiene from Day One

‍We believe in starting early with a gentle, loving approach to oral care:

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• 0 to 6 Months: Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings.
• 6 to 12 Months: Once the first tooth appears, brush it gently with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
• 12 to 36 Months: Brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing to ensure your child doesn’t swallow toothpaste and learns proper techniques.

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We’re here to help make brushing time a fun and positive part of your routine!

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‍Fluoride: Protecting Tiny Teeth

‍Fluoride is essential for strengthening enamel and preventing cavities. Here’s how to ensure your child gets just the right amount:

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• Use fluoride toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.
• Check if your local water supply is fluoridated. If not, talk to us about supplements.

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Our family practice helps you navigate fluoride use to keep your child’s smile safe and healthy.

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‍Oral Habits: Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

‍Many babies find comfort in sucking their thumb or a pacifier, which is normal and healthy in the early years. However, if these habits persist beyond age 3, they can affect tooth alignment and jaw development.We can guide you on gently transitioning your child away from these habits, offering practical tips that work for your family.

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‍Preventing Injuries: Protecting Little Smiles

‍Your child’s safety is part of their oral health journey. Accidental injuries can happen, but simple precautions can reduce the risk:

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• Use corner guards on furniture and safety covers on electrical outlets.
• Install guards on bathtub spouts to prevent bumps during bath time.
• Secure your baby in an age-appropriate car seat during travel.

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We’re here to support you in creating a safe environment for your little explorer.

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‍Teething: Easing the Discomfort

‍Teething can be a challenging time, but there are simple ways to comfort your baby:

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• Offer a clean, chilled teething ring or a damp cloth to chew on.
• Gently massage their gums with your finger.
• Avoid over-the-counter teething gels with benzocaine, as these may pose risks.

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We’re happy to share tips and support to help you navigate teething with confidence.

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‍Family Dental History: Understanding Your Child’s Risk Factors

‍If your family has a history of cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues, your child might inherit a higher risk. Sharing this information with us helps us create a personalized prevention plan tailored to your family’s needs.

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‍A Warm and Positive Experience for Your Family

‍Since 1979, Paris Dental Centre has been a trusted family practice where comfort and care go hand in hand. We’re not just focused on services—we’re focused on your family’s experience.From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel welcomed and supported. Your baby’s health, comfort, and happiness are our priority, and we’re committed to helping you lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Ready to start your baby’s oral health journey with us? Contact Paris Dental Centre today! Together, we’ll create a foundation of trust, health, and joyful smiles.

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