According to the Office of the Surgeon General, in the U.S., “tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease”. They also go on to state that “millions of school hours are lost each year to dental related issues” and the “poor suffer twice as many dental problems than their peers”. With this information in mind, it is extremely important to find the time to properly take care of your infant’s teeth and teach them good oral hygiene habits as they grow older.
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Before your baby’s first tooth
Before your baby gets their first tooth (this happens on average between 4-7 months old), you will need to help prevent the buildup of plaque. This nasty bacteria can lead to greater risks for your baby such as gum and tooth decay. Pediatric dentists and other pediatricians highly suggest frequent cleanings of your newborn’s gums. Using a damp washcloth, you can perform these cleanings after feedings. Almost all formulas contain some amount of sugar so it is good to perform cleanings after every meal. Along with cleanings, pediatric dentists recommend avoiding sending your baby to bed with other sugary drinks such as juice. Cleaning your infant’s gums and avoiding sugary drinks can help prevent “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”. This occurs in 15% of children and is the main cause of the quick and brutal decay of baby teeth.
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Help your baby through the teething process
Teething is a completely natural process for your baby to go through. However, it can be difficult a difficult experience at many times. Most commonly, the two lower front teeth come in at around 6 months old, followed rather quickly by the two upper front teeth. Between the next 18-24 months, your baby will grow the rest of their teeth. Beginning between the ages of 2-3, all of your little one’s 20 primary teeth should show. Your baby will demonstrate signs of teething that include fussiness, drooling, and the urge to put things in their mouth. If your baby has a fever while teething, it is important to call your physician. Although teething can be uncomfortable and cause your newborn much irritation, there are many things you can do to soothe their pain. Start by rubbing your little one’s gums with a clean finger or a wet gauze pad. Another option is purchasing a cooling teething ring that will help alleviate the pain of your baby’s tender gums. You can also go to your local pharmacy and try different teething medications that can be rubbed on the gums.
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Brushing your baby’s teeth
On average, most infants begin to teethe at around four months old. As soon as the first tooth comes in, it’s time to schedule your baby’s first dentist appointment and learn how to start brushing your newborn’s teeth the correct way. Growing baby teeth are extremely susceptible to cavities, gingivitis and tooth decay. You can start by brushing your baby’s teeth for two minutes, twice a day. This will help familiarize your baby with the correct brushing time and prevent any tooth decay.
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Products recommended for healthy baby teeth
Growing baby teeth require specific attention that differs from grown up teeth. Before the 2-3 year age, choose a toothpaste that is safe to swallow, fluoride free and contains absolutely no artificial colors or preservatives. It is recommended that you use a toothbrush that contains extra soft bristles until they turn 2-3 years old. At this point, you can switch to toothpaste that contains fluoride but only under strict supervision. When your little one’s first teeth appear, it is of utmost importance to clean them on a daily basis. These regular cleanings will help encourage healthy oral hygiene habits early in life that will stay with them as they grow older.
Don’t miss an appointment with your Livermore Hills Dentist. Have you child or baby come in so we can determine the best regimen for you and them.