Instilling good habits and taking care of your child’s teeth from a young age is an essential part of childhood oral health. Starting after the first tooth erupts; you can begin setting the stage for your children to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The first early visits the dentist office are easy examinations. This is for several reasons. The first is to allow your child to feel comfortable at our office. We want them to be able to relax and feel confident in having their mouths checked. The second reason for early dental examination is to allow us to establish a baseline for monitoring your child’s oral development. This allows us to detect potential problems, and provide early treatment for any issues that do arise.
In addition to bringing your child into our office, you can do several things at home to make sure their smiles are healthy and happy.
- Gently wipe your child’s gums down with a soft washcloth after each feeding, even before the first tooth erupts.
- Begin using a soft toothbrush designed for infants after the first tooth appears.
- Begin flossing once two teeth have come in next to each other.
- Once your child is able to spit out toothpaste effectively, you can switch to one with fluoride in it. A small dab is all that is necessary.
- Encourage an active interest in oral hygiene. Allow your children to begin brushing their teeth on their own when they express an interest. Make sure to watch and encourage proper techniques. You will probably need to follow-up and brush after they are finished for the first few times.
- Do not give infants a bottle of milk or juice at naptime or bedtime. This is a major cause of early childhood cavities.
We know that you want the best for your children, and so we make it our goal to provide a comfortable, welcoming, and positive environment for them to receive dental care. By instilling good habits and routine dental examinations from an early age, you can ensure your children enjoy a lifetime of oral health. To schedule an appointment for your child, call our offices today at (919) 865-0700 (Cary) or
(704) 765-3150
0 (Cornelius) to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Luis Crespo
Connect Dr. Luis Crespo on LinkedIn
Dr. Luis Crespo, a holistic dentist with 17 years of experience, has profoundly impacted underserved communities worldwide, from Guatemala to Tibet. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from
West Virginia University in 2000 and is a member of the
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Dr. Crespo integrates his holistic health and nutrition expertise into his practice, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall well-being. His bilingual skills and commitment to educating patients and promoting early dental care reflect his dedication to both public health and preventive medicine.
Dr. Erin Wilbanks
Connect Dr. Erin Wilbanks on LinkedIn
Dr. Erin Wilbanks, a holistic dentist in Cary, brings extensive experience and expertise to her practice. With a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from
Louisiana State University, Dr. Wilbanks is a member of the International Academy of Medicine and Toxicology and is SMART certified. Known for her commitment to prevention and patient education, she emphasizes holistic approaches to oral health. Her dedication to her field is supported by her active involvement in the
Academy of General Dentistry and
IAOMT.