It is never too early to begin an oral hygiene regimen for your child. In fact, you should begin caring for your child’s gums before their first tooth erupts since healthy gums are an important predictor of healthy teeth. Below are a few tips that will help your baby have a beautiful smile!
1. Clean your child’s gums
You can clean your baby’s gums by using a cold, clean wash cloth. After your child has finished drinking or eating, use the damp cloth to gently wipe their mouth. This will remove any sugar or acid that is left behind and helps prevent early childhood cavities.
2. Begin toothbrushing
Once your child erupts a baby tooth, you can graduate from a wash cloth to a toothbrush designed for infants. Begin brushing your child’s teeth and gums twice a day. Make sure to be extra gentle, since their teeth and gums can be sensitive. Use only a smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, to brush their teeth, and always be sure to rinse their mouth out with water or wipe down their teeth after brushing.
3. Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle decay is one of the most common diseases that a young child can encounter. It occurs when a child sleeps with a bottle filled with juice, formula, or other liquids that contain sugar. While asleep the production of saliva, which helps wash away sugar, slows down and bacteria in the mouth turns the sugar into acids, which eats away at your child’s teeth. To prevent this from occurring, make sure your child doesn’t go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup.
4. First dental visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises new parents that their child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. By doing so, you can help your child avoid cavities, and help them become more comfortable visiting the dentist. If you have just had a baby, and would like to establish a dental home for your child, please call our office today. We look forward to hearing from you!