Pediatrics

Dental Care for Babies

Congratulations on the arrival of your first baby! Are you prepared for the arrival of your baby's first tooth? Follow these guidelines and your baby will be on his way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Caring for Gums
Even before your baby's first tooth appears (or, in dental jargon, "erupts"), her gums can benefit from your careful attention. After breast- or bottle-feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or piece of gauze and gently rub it across your baby's gum tissue. This practice both clears your little one's mouth of any fragments of food and begins the process of building a good habit of daily oral care.

Baby's First Tooth
When that first tooth makes an entrance, it's time to upgrade to a baby toothbrush. There are usually two options: a long-handled toothbrush that you and your baby can hold at the same time, and a finger-puppet-like brush that fits over the tip of your pointer finger. In each case the bristles are soft and few. At this stage, toothpaste isn't necessary; just rinse the brush with water before brushing. If your little one doesn't react well to the introduction of a toothbrush, don't give up; switch back to a damp washcloth for a few months, then try the toothbrush again. During the teething process your child will want to chew on just about anything—a baby toothbrush with a teether will generally be your child's favorite toy during this period.

Brushing with Toothpaste
When a few more teeth appear, you can start using fluoride toothpaste with your child's brush. Remember that too much fluoride can be dangerous for very young children. Children naturally want to swallow toothpaste after brushing, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent teeth to stain. Therefore, use only a tiny amount (a small smear) for each cleaning. Have your child spit out toothpaste after brushing when able to do so – usually by age 3. You should brush your child's teeth for him until he is ready to take on that responsibility himself, which usually happens by age six or seven. Even after this, adult supervision is recommended.

Avoiding Cavities
Don't give your baby any sort of sweetened liquids such as flavored drinks or soda. The sugars present in fruit juice, formula, and milk (this goes for breast milk as well) can cause decay, so regular tooth and gum cleaning is vital. Also, make sure your baby never goes to bed with a bottle – sugary liquids in prolonged contact with her teeth are a guarantee for early-childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.

First Visit to the Dentist
It's recommended that you bring your baby in for a visit within six months of the first tooth's eruption – usually around his first birthday. Since decay can occur in even the smallest of teeth, the earlier your baby visits us, the more likely he is to avoid problems. We'll look for any signs of early problems with your baby's oral heath, and inform you about the best way to care for his teeth. Remember that preparing for each dental visit with a positive attitude goes a long way toward making your child comfortable with regular check-ups.

Setting a Good Example
As part of the natural learning process, little ones are expert mimics, and you can take advantage of this talent. Brush and floss daily while your child is watching, and she'll discern at an early age the importance of your good habits. As soon as she shows interest, give her a toothbrush of her own and encourage her to "brush" with you. (You'll find toothbrushes with chunky, short handles that are easy for her to grip.) Most children don't have the dexterity necessary to thoroughly clean their own teeth until they're about six or seven, so you'll have to do that part of the job for her. Try different tactics to make brushing fun: flavored toothpaste, a toothbrush with a favorite character on it, singing songs about brushing, etc. Properly positioning your child will greatly assists you in being able to see the back teeth and keep them clean too. The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits at an early age to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!