In the Know for You to Know

Did you know that baby teeth do more than help children chew? That’s right. Healthy teeth play a valuable role in all aspects of your baby’s life.

This is why good oral health starts early. How early? Before your baby’s teeth even come into their mouth. Yes that early, and it’s that important.

Here’s what I want you to know.

FACT #1 – When Your Baby Should Have Their First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents establish their child’s dental home early.

The first examination is recommended at the time their 1st tooth comes into their mouth and no later than their 1st birthday.

Early visits help establish your dental home and allow your pediatric dentist to monitor your child’s oral health as they grow.

FACT #2 – How You Can Prevent Cavities In Your Baby’s Teeth

The time to start cavity prevention is before your baby’s teeth come into their mouth.

Whether you bottle feed, breast feed, or a combination of both, what’s important is that you wipe your baby’s gums and lips after each feeding and before naps and bedtime. Don’t let your child fall asleep while feeding.

When wiping your baby’s gums and lips use a soft lightly wet washcloth. Gently go over their top and bottom gum pads and gingerly move their lips so you have their gums in full view.

Also, don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or while you’re breastfeeding. And once their 1st tooth starts to come in, stop the night feedings and on demand feedings.

FACT #3 – What You Should Expect During Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

At your baby’s first dental visit, your pediatric dentist will examine their teeth to see which one’s are coming in, checking their gums to see which teeth are about to come in, the order teeth are coming in; if there are any white or brown spots or cavities on the teeth, the shape of the teeth, if there are any defects of the teeth, as well as the shape, size and growth of your baby’s jaws.

They’ll also answer questions you may have. Be sure to share your successes and milestones, any concerns about your child’s development, and challenges in daily routines.

In addition to their oral health examination your pediatric dentist will clean your baby’s teeth and apply a topical fluoride treatment, usually a fluoride varnish.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It’s especially beneficial for children as their teeth are developing.

Speak with your pediatric dentist to check if your tap water contains fluoride or whether your child needs a fluoride supplement. Fluoride isn’t usually found in most bottled waters.

After your baby’s examination they’ll discuss with you what you can expect in terms of dental growth over the next several months, cavity risk, fluoride in your drinking water, fluoride tooth paste, oral hygiene, speech and language development, non-nutritive habits such as thumb sucking or finger sucking, diet and nutrition, as well as injury prevention.

These visits are a chance for you to learn as much as you can about the best ways to help your child grow and thrive.

FACT #4 – How Often Your Baby Should See The Dentist After Their First Visit

Regular dental checkups are an important way to keep track of your child’s oral health and development.

Since each child has their own individual needs, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the importance of continuity of care based on those needs.

Your pediatric dentist may in general, recommend to see your baby every 6 months after their 1st examination.

FACT #5 – Best Practices For Caring For Your Baby’s Teeth

Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle at nap time or at night. It’s also not a good idea to let your baby use a bottle filled with a sweet drink or dip your baby’s pacifier into anything sweet like jam or honey.

As soon as your baby’s 1st tooth comes into their mouth, it’s time to start tooth brushing and using a fluoride toothpaste. Or, you can use a moist wash cloth with fluoride toothpaste dabbed on it.

Be sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants and babies.

For infants and babies use a tiny smear, the size of an uncooked grain of rice. Brush their teeth at least twice a day, preferably after breakfast and before bedtime.

It’s important to lift their top and bottom lips away from their teeth so that you can see the full tooth and clean the whole tooth.

As I’m so fond of saying, “The toothbrush is the last thing that should touch your baby’s teeth every night.”

Do you think healthy baby teeth are important? How old was your baby when you started to clean their gums? When did you brush their first tooth? How old was your child when you scheduled their first dental visit? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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