In the Know for You to Know

There are so many things to think about and do when you have a baby on the way. Some days you can’t believe how fast the day flew by.

With so many things on your mind and new experiences, teeth are the last thing you’re thinking about.

While this is so true, we’ve put together the 5 most asked questions from parents. These questions are from Moms and Dads who look back and wish they had asked these questions when they were pregnant.

As an expectant mother, what can I do to help my child have healthy teeth?

It’s important for you to take care of yourself. This also means that you need to take good care of your own dental health during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

If you, or Daddy, or Grandma, or Grandpa have cavities or gum disease, that bacteria in the saliva will be passed to your baby by kissing, sharing eating utensils or licking a pacifier.

Remember to see your dentist, brush twice a day and floss before your nightly brushing.

What can I do to prevent my baby getting cavities from bottle feeding or breast feeding?

Start when your baby is born.

Even before teeth come in it’s important to wipe their gums, cheeks, and tongue after each feeding with a wet wash cloth and before you put them down for bed.

When do I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

The sooner the better.

Once their teeth start coming in, it’s necessary to clean their pearly whites after each feeding and before you put them down for bed.

Whether you use a wash cloth, baby tooth brush or finger brush, remember to lift their lips to see their whole teeth and use a tiny rice grain size of tooth paste.

Any advice on teething?

From 4 months to 3 years old your child may have sore or swollen gums as their teeth start to come into their mouths.

Some children may run a low grade fever, some may have diarrhea, or some may tug at their ears. It’s best for you to hold and gently rub a cool wet wash cloth on their tooth bumps.

Never use teething rings made with wood, teething gels, gel pads, teething beads, teething necklaces or teething bracelets.

If you’re not sure its teeth or if your child is sick always reach out to your pediatrician.

Should I worry if my baby sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier?

Thumb or finger sucking is normal for infants and most use a pacifier. Toddlers usually stop by the time they are 2 to 3 years old.

Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can cause crowded and crooked teeth or bite problems. There are a few ways to address this when your child is older and specifically for their needs.

How old was your baby when you started to clean their mouth and brush their teeth? Do you have any dental questions you wish you had asked when you were pregnant? How about now? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

More Tips? We have lots! We’re here just for kids!