It has been shown in several different studies that a baby’s first two years is related to tooth decay. It is this first two years of their life that they need a good diet, good food intake habits, and their teeth need to be brushed two to three times daily to help in preventing tooth decay. Parents should encourage their child to begin brushing on their own once they reach three years of age.
The (AAP) American Academy of Pediatrics has given the following information on preventing tooth decay.
Some of the causes for tooth decay in babies are:
When a parent or caregiver share the same spoons, or drinks behind one another, and even when they are testing a food for its hotness before feeding it to the baby, and especially, cleaning their pacifier by putting it in their own mouth, and then putting it back in the baby’s mouth, can be passing bacteria by means of their saliva. Your baby can get tooth decay from having their teeth and gums exposed for long periods of time to any liquids or foods (excluding water). Also, you should only give your baby milk when it is meal time.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Never give your baby a bottle when you are putting your baby down to sleep!
- You should not let your baby use a sippy cup as if it were a pacifier.
- Ask your local water company if your water is fluoridated (your baby needs to have fluoridated water).
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, as this contributes to tooth decay and also, rotting of the gums.
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