The Crucial Role of Dental Offices in Infant Health: A Conversation with Joy Lantz

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Dental care goes beyond filling cavities and brightening smiles.

It encompasses a broader perspective that can significantly impact the health and well-being of both children and adults.

In a recent conversation with Joy Lantz, a dental expert with 25 years of experience, we delved into the world of early dental care, focusing on infants and expecting mothers.

The Dental Office as a Hub for Education and Support

Dental offices are ideal places to not only educate but also triage infants and newborns for potential issues. Expecting mothers often hear about birthing plans, which are undoubtedly important, but Joy draws an insightful analogy: "If you're talking about the birth and you're not talking about feeding, it's kind of like talking about the wedding and not talking about the marriage." Dental professionals have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap by discussing feeding plans with expecting mothers, preparing them for potential challenges.

Identifying Signs of Airway Issues in Infants

When examining infants, Joy and her team look for key signs that may indicate airway issues. These signs include difficulties coordinating suck, swallow, and breathe, noisy breathing while eating or sleeping, and infants who are noisy eaters. These subtle signs can be linked to structural issues that begin in utero.

Empowering Expecting Mothers with Knowledge

It is important to educate expecting mothers about early infant care. By providing information and checklists, dental teams can empower parents to recognize potential problems and seek early intervention. This proactive approach can be invaluable, especially for first-time mothers who may find the entire process overwhelming.

Lip and Tongue Functions in Infants

In infants, lip and tongue functions play a crucial role in maintaining an open airway. Joy emphasizes the importance of proper lip sealing and highlights the significance of infants not actively using their lips during feeding. She also discusses the necessity of tongue elevation for proper feeding, shedding light on the consequences of oral ties.

Addressing Harmful Oral Habits

Babies naturally like to suck for self-soothing, but not all sucking methods are equal. She advises parents on the use of pacifiers and emphasizes the need to redirect finger-sucking habits when they become habitual. Educating parents about the right types of pacifiers can make a significant difference in infant care.

The Role of Dental Teams in Early Intervention

Dental teams can make a substantial impact on infant care by focusing on six fundamental aspects: breathing, nutrition, dental development, oral rest posture, movement, and sleep. By discussing these topics with parents, dental professionals can offer early intervention and support to prevent potential issues.

Conclusion

Joy Lantz's insights highlight the pivotal role that dental professionals can play in early infant care. By educating expecting mothers, identifying signs of airway issues, and addressing harmful oral habits, dental teams can contribute to the long-term health and well-being of children. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness and offering early intervention, ensuring that every child has the best start in life.

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