Infant Oral Health Care in Edmond, OK
What is Infant Oral Health Care?
Infant oral health care is dental care for babies and toddlers, beginning with a first visit by your child’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. These early appointments are short and gentle: Dr. Ferguson checks tooth and jaw development, looks for early decay, and coaches you on brushing, teething, and feeding. Starting this early prevents most problems outright and helps your baby grow up comfortable at the dentist.
Our Infant Oral Health Services
First Dental Visit
Your baby's first visit takes about 20 minutes, usually with your child sitting on your lap. Dr. Ferguson examines the teeth, gums, and jaw, answers your questions, and sets a care plan — no pressure and nothing uncomfortable.
Infant Oral Exams
Short check-ups every six months track how teeth are erupting, whether the bite is developing normally, and whether early decay is forming. Problems found this early are almost always simple to fix.
Teething Guidance
Teething usually starts around 6 months and brings drooling, sore gums, and disrupted sleep. We show you what actually helps — chilled teething rings, gum massage, and which over-the-counter products to avoid.
Feeding and Bottle Guidance
Falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice is the leading cause of early childhood cavities. We help you adjust bottle, breastfeeding, and sippy-cup habits in ways that protect new teeth.
Home Care Coaching
Wipe gums with a soft cloth before teeth arrive, then brush twice daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth appears. We demonstrate the technique on your own baby so you leave knowing exactly what to do.
Early Cavity Prevention
Fluoride varnish can be applied as soon as teeth appear to strengthen new enamel. We also assess your baby's cavity risk from diet, family history, and habits, and adjust the plan accordingly.
Why Choose Children's Dentistry of Coffee Creek for Your Baby's Care?
Dr. Ferguson is a pediatric dental specialist and a mother, and infant visits are one of her favorite parts of the job. Our Edmond office is built for young children, so first appointments happen in a calm, unhurried, genuinely friendly setting. You’ll leave every visit knowing what to watch for and exactly how to care for your baby’s teeth at home.
What Families Say About Us
Parents across Edmond tell us the same thing: their kids feel safe here. The care is gentle, thorough, and never rushed.
Infant Oral Health FAQs
The questions new parents in Edmond ask Dr. Ferguson most often.
By your baby’s first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and early visits are brief and easy.
Yes. Baby teeth guide speech development, allow proper chewing, and hold space for permanent teeth. Decay in baby teeth is painful, can spread infection, and can affect the permanent teeth forming underneath.
Before teeth appear, wipe the gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth arrives, brush twice daily with a soft infant brush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and a cold washcloth all help. Skip teething gels containing benzocaine and amber teething necklaces, which carry real safety risks for infants.
Both are normal and comforting in infancy. They only become a concern if they continue past about age three, when they can begin affecting bite and jaw development. We’ll monitor it and help you taper the habit when the time comes.
Frequent exposure of teeth to sugars — most often from falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, or sipping sweet drinks throughout the day. Cavity-causing bacteria can also pass from caregivers through shared spoons and cups.
New Patients Welcome
Start Your Baby's Smile Off Right
The first visit is short, gentle, and more useful than most parents expect. Call Children’s Dentistry of Coffee Creek in Edmond, OK to schedule your baby’s first appointment.