Infant and Baby Needs

Start early to keep your child’s teeth healthy and to build a desire for good dental hygiene.

When your baby is young get them comfortable with cleaning their mouth by using a soft cloth or a baby toothbrush to clean their gums. Use a soft toothbrush made just for baby’s sensitive teeth and gums. Change them when you change yours.

You’ve probably already heard not to put your baby to bed with a bottle due to choking concerns but you also don’t want to put your baby to bed with a milk or juice as this will coat their teeth with sugar and that means early decay. This doesn’t mean don’t give your baby their final feeding of the night but be sure you’re holding your baby while giving the feeding.

When your baby’s teeth start coming it’s time for regular brushing. Morning and night. Make it a habit. Add it to the morning routine and the bedtime routine. Use the special fluoride free toothpaste for babies and toddlers found in the tooth care department of your regular grocery store.
Teach your toddler to floss early. It makes it easier to become a habit. If you’re not sure about using the string only type of floss the y-shaped flossers make it easy breezy to get in those tiny mouths. Make it part of the bedtime routine.

Take your baby to the dentist as soon as those teeth start to pop in. There are pediatric dentists all over the place. This has two benefits. First your child will become accustomed to regular dental visits (about 1 a year until their permanent teeth come in). And you will be on top of your child’s dental health. It’s much cheaper to pay for the dental checkups than dental work. Children who visit the dentist early are less likely to need heavy dental work USA Today .

Be prudent with what you feed your baby. As your child grows get them used to eating healthier foods instead of relying on sodas and sweets which are ultra damaging to tooth enamel.

Great tips to help protect your growing child’s precious teeth.