It’s important for children’s teeth to be properly cared for from the time they first erupt so that they develop correctly. Even though they will lose their first teeth, their “baby teeth,” proper care teaches good habits and can help children’s permanent teeth last a lifetime. Here are three tips for caring for your child’s first teeth.
Cleaning Gums
Even before your baby’s teeth come in, you can begin caring for his or her gums to give the teeth a firm foundation in which to grow. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe his or her gums after he or she has been fed to remove any sugars that remain. Getting babies used to having their gums cleaned will make it easier when you start brushing their teeth and going to appointments with a pediatric dentistry specialist.
Brushing Teeth
You can start gently brushing your baby’s teeth after they emerge, which is usually at about six to ten months old. Gently brush his or her teeth with a soft baby toothbrush and a very small dab of fluoride toothpaste. Brush them in the morning and before bedtime so that he or she develops a routine.
No Bottles at Bedtime
If your baby drinks formula, milk, or juice from a bottle, do not allow him or her to go to sleep at night with one. The sugars in the liquids will dry and stick to his or her teeth, inviting cavity-causing bacteria to grow on them. If he or she cannot sleep without a bottle, give him or her water or sugar-free juice to reduce the chances of developing cavities.
It is also important to start a routine of going to the dentist. You can start scheduling appointments with a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry by the time your child turns one or within six months of his or her first tooth emerging. To find a pediatric dentist in Chesterfield, MO, contact New Age Dental Care at 636-449-0215. You can pay a visit to Facebook page for more information!
