What Parents Can Do To Protect Those Baby Teeth

Even when your child is an infant it is important to begin an oral hygiene routine. Starting young allows for babies to get accustom to the feeling of having their or gums cleaned; which in the long run makes it easier to transition to brushing their teeth. You only get one set of adult teeth and it’s good to develop health dental habits young to reduce the potential of having decay, tooth loss and pain.

For Babies:

-parents can wipe babies gums twice a day with soft, clean cloth twice a day.

-When the first teeth have started to erupt, parents can then start using a soft bristled tooth brush twice a day with plain water

-Parents can make an appointment to their dentist by their child’s first birthday. The dentist will be able to spot any issues; and they may apply a fluoride varnish on your child teeth

-Don’t send your baby to bed with a bottle/sippy cup; the sugar from juice, breastmilk and formula can stay on the teeth causing decay; which could eventually lead to the teeth being so damaged that they would need to be pulled

-At 6 months Parents can switch from a bottle to a sippy cup

For Children:

-Children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

-Parents should help brush their children’s teeth until they have good brushing skills

For Parents:

-Dental decay is transmissible, you can transfer the bacteria from your mouth to your baby. Do not test the temperature of a bottle or food with your mouth, don’t share utensils, or clean a pacifier or bottle nipple with your mouth.

-After the first dentist appointment, continue to schedule and attend regular dental appointments for your child

-Be sure to check your child’s teeth while brushing them to spot any signs of tooth decay- white or brown spots. If you do see those spots contact your dentist to make an appointment.

-If your dinking water does not contain fluoride, you may ask your dentist about a fluoride supplement for your child

-Don’t give children under one sugary drinks, avoid gummy snacks that can stick to the teeth

For more information about Dental care for children please visit the CDC’s website or Kids Health