Helpful Tips for Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth: Part Two
As your baby continues to grow, you will likely take several steps to help ensure your son or daughter enjoys a healthy childhood. Regular doctor visits are essential in a baby’s first few years, but dental visits become equally important! That is because even babies can develop oral health issues, like baby bottle tooth decay, which could contribute to a lifetime of dental problems. Fortunately a pediatric dentist can help prevent this and other potential oral health issues. So to prevent problems, children should visit the dentist, just like adults, for checkups. You can also help maintain your child’s oral health, through these simple steps to be taken at-home.
More Ways to Keep Those Precious Baby Teeth Healthy
- Allowing kids to go to bed with a bottle of anything other than water can contribute to cavity development, due to the high sugar content in both milk and juice. In fact, it is best to follow feedings with water, to help gently rinse the teeth clear of many food particles and bacteria.
- Though it is not necessary to brush your baby’s teeth with a toothbrush, initially, it is important to clean them after feedings. You can continue using a clean cloth or gauze until your baby has several teeth showing. Then you should start gently brushing your baby’s tooth or teeth with a toothbrush. Introduce a non-fluoride toothpaste to the routine around age 2. Just keep in mind you should only be using a pea-sized amount of paste when brushing your baby’s teeth.
- Regular dental visits from an early age also help to teach your children the importance of preventive dental care. Most dentists recommend scheduling your child’s first checkup around age one!