It’s hard for parents not to worry about every little detail when it comes to their baby’s health and wellbeing, whether that be adequate nutrition, sleeping patterns, or avoiding sickness. But what about oral care? Oral care for infants isn’t quite as high on the list of concerns, and often it’s near the bottom, but it’s still very important. Even before your baby’s teeth emerge, there are steps you should take to care of your baby’s dental health. Whether you are a first-time parent or unsure of what to do, here’s everything you need to know about oral care for infants:
Before Teething
Some parents think they don’t have to worry about their infant’s oral health until their baby teeth begin to emerge, which is around 3-9 months of age. This certainly isn’t the case. Regardless of whether or not there are teeth, bacteria and sugar can still pose a danger if they are left in the mouth after feeding. In order to clean your baby’s mouth and effectively remove bacteria and sugar before teething occurs, you should rub the gums with a clean, damp washcloth wrapped around your finger twice a day. This will also help your baby become more comfortable with the cleaning process, so by the time you do introduce a toothbrush it won’t be a big deal.
Teething/First Teeth
Teething can be a painful process for both the baby and parents. One thing you can do to soothe your teething baby (and give yourself some peace of mind, too) is give them a cold teething ring, wet washcloth or pacifier. Cold, clean and safe objects your baby can suck and chew are the best way to provide relief. Applying pressure to your baby’s gums with a finger and using products such as Oral Gel can also be soothing..
When teeth begin to erupt, you can switch from using a washcloth to a child’s soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s important to remember that, at this time, you should only brush with water twice a day. Toothpaste can be introduced when your child is around 2-years-old.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a major concern when it comes to oral care for infants. It occurs when bacteria forms acid and damages tooth enamel. This damage, if it becomes continuous, can eventually lead to a cavity.
Here are some ways to help your baby avoid tooth decay:
- Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. When an infant’s teeth have continued exposure to milk, juice and formula (or any sugary liquids), this increases the risk of decay, hence the name “baby bottle tooth decay.” If your baby does need something to suck on during naps or sleep, you can use a pacifier or a bottle filled with water.
- Stop the spread of bacteria. You can help do this by not sharing anything that’s been in your mouth with your baby and making sure pacifiers, bottles and anything else entering your baby’s mouth are clean.
- Adjust care as your baby develops. Make sure you continue to care for your baby’s teeth properly with a soft-bristled toothbrush for emerging teeth and a washcloth for the gums that are still bare.
- Ensure your baby is getting enough fluoride. Double-check that your water supply contains fluoride; if it doesn’t, you may need to use a supplement.
First Dental Visit
The general rule of thumb when it comes to oral care for infants is that you should schedule your baby’s first dental visit when the first teeth come in and before their first birthday. The initial dental visit is also a great opportunity to ask questions and address concerns about caring for your baby’s teeth correctly.
You can learn more about how Artistic Dental handles these first visits and early preventative care here. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or talking more about it, please call us at (602) 840-5400.