Dental Care for Your Baby
Your new bundle of joy has arrived! We want to make sure you have the tools you need to prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Cleaning Your Baby’s Gums
Oral hygiene begins early! Even before your little one’s first tooth appears, you should be caring for his or her smile. Milk is full of nutrients but also full of sugar. It’s important to clean your baby’s gums after each breast or bottle feeding. To clean your baby’s gums, simply wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or soft piece of gauze and gently rub across your baby’s gum tissue.
The First Tooth
You may have noticed you baby has been a little fussier lately and maybe drooling a little more, too. These can be signs of teething. When the first tooth arrives, it’s time to start using a soft-bristled toothbrush. At this point, toothpaste isn’t necessary. Water will work just fine. If you haven’t already seen the dentist, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Read about the Age One visit here!
More Teeth
It’s time to start using a tiny drop of toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth when more teeth have erupted. Be sure to use a toothpaste without fluoride for the first two years (unless instructed by your dentist).
Avoiding Cavities
To avoid tooth decay, limit the amount of sugar intake. Be sure to clean your baby’s teeth and gums after every feeding and never put your baby to bed with a bottle. This can lead to early childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.
