During pregnancy, expectant mothers should make sure their prenatal vitamin contains Folate rather than Folic Acid. Folic Acid is said to be linked to postpartum depression symptoms.
Wild Yam Cream can be a beneficial tool for navigating postpartum hormones.
(It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or midwife, before using wild yam cream postpartum, especially if breastfeeding or if you have any existing health conditions.)
Xlear Nasal Spray is a key product to have to avoid chronic ear infections in your infant! One spray in each nostril prior to a diaper change will help ensure the xylitol-based spray reaches the ear canal and throat.
A child’s first dental visit should be no later than age 3. We typically recommend six months after the eruption of the first tooth or by age one. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Early Childhood Caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) is a big concern. Children risk severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
Infants should start on solid food at the age of 6 months (with the recommendation from their pediatrician). Give your 6-month-old hard foods to chew (e.g., peeled cucumber, raw carrot, celery stalk) to reduce the risk of choking. Giving real food over purees encourages proper chewing, supports oral motor skill development, and helps babies adjust to new tastes and textures.
Encourage children to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. Nighttime feeding should be avoided after the first primary teeth begin to erupt. Juice should be limited, and when given, it should be in a cup diluted with water.
Children should be weaned from a bottle at 12–14 months of age.
Thumb sucking is normal for infants; most stop by age 2. It should be discouraged after age 3. Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Dentists can suggest ways to address these issues.
Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything else sweet before giving it to a baby.
Parents should ensure that young children use an appropriate size toothbrush with a small brushing surface and only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children should be taught to spit out rather than swallow toothpaste. Parents should assist with brushing until at least age 4. Unless advised by a dentist or health professional, fluoride toothpaste should not be used for children under two years of age.
Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic, biocompatible mineral that mimics the natural composition of tooth enamel and bone. Many dentists now recommend children under the age of 6 use a fluoride-free toothpaste that contains nano-hydroxyapatite.
Here at Valley View Dental, we recommend Dr. Jen’s Fluoride Free Toothpaste! Ask any of our clinical staff members how to get yours today.
From six months to age 3, children may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a cooled, clean teething ring to chew on.
Never clean pacifiers or eating utensils with your own mouth before giving them to children. Doing so can transmit bacteria from adults to children.
