This article helps every mom or mom to be to learn more about her baby s teeth as well as some important tips to help take care of his teeth properly. Don’t ever think that your baby s teeth are not important!
Start Before Baby’s Teeth Come In
Start cleaning your child’s mouth even before his teeth come in. Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.This will prevent bacteria from accumulating in the mouth.
What’s the best way to brush my baby’s teeth after they start coming in?
As your child’s teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn’t gotten his first tooth by the end of her first year, don’t worry – some children don’t start getting teeth until 15 to 18 months.)
Brush With Toothpaste At Age 2
Begin using a tiny amount of non-fluoride toothpaste once Baby is about 2. Wait until at least 3, when your child is old enough not to swallow the toothpaste, before introducing the fluoride kind.
How to brush?
- Brush twice a day, in the morning and right before bedtime.
- Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste(after age 3)
- Brush gentlyon the inside and outside of each of your baby’s teeth, as well as the tongue to dislodge bacteria that can cause bad breath. Since you’re using a small amount of toothpaste, there’s no need to rinse.
- Replace the toothbrushas soon as the bristles start to look worn.
Avoid Cavities
The first signs of cavities in baby teeth are discoloration and minor pitting. Putting Baby to bed with a bottle of milk (or worse, juice) is notorious for causing cavities.It is the main cause of early cavities.
Follow Meals with Water
Most infant foods easily wash off Baby’s teeth with just a drink of water after meals. But this should not replace the use of a tooth brush. (choose a very soft one) so baby can get used to having it in his mouth
Certain foods that cause tooth decay in babies
- fruits
- dried fruits
- juice
- peanut butter and jelly
Starches can also contribute to cavities:
- breads
- crackers
- pasta
- pretzels
To really give your child the best chance of healthy teeth, you should also:
- Only offer breastmilk, formula milk, or cooled, boiled water as drinks for your baby.
- Avoid squashes, fruit juices, flavored milk and fizzy drinks. These usually contain lots of sugar and cause tooth decay.
- From around six months, give your baby drinks from a beaker. Once he’s a year old, try to discourage him from using a bottle, and only give him water to drink at night.
- Provide your baby with a healthy, balanced diet.
- If you use prepared baby foods, check that they are sugar-free or have no added sugars or sweeteners.
- If your baby needs to take medicine, choose sugar-free versions.
Familiarize your baby to the dentist
At first, take your baby along to your own dental appointments. That way he’ll get to know the sights, sounds, smells and routine of your dental surgery.then when his primary teeth erupt you can start taking him for checkup
Prepared By Dr. Nour Seifeddine
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Beirut Arab University (Lebanon)
Clinic Address: Tal Street / Taalabaya / Bekaa / Lebanon
Mobile: +961 3 67 68 03
Reference Babycentre.co.uk
