Your baby’s dental health may not be top of mind before teeth appear, but good oral care should start long before that first tiny tooth breaks through. We asked experts about the dos and don’ts of how to care for your baby’s teeth and gums.
Here’s what they shared:
DO: Pay Attention to What (and When) You Feed Your Baby
Timothy P. McCabe, DMD, of Westfield Pediatric Dental Group says good dental habits start with what your baby eats. “Limit how often your child snacks, and choose nutritious options like cheese, fruits, vegetables or yogurt instead of sticky or sugary treats.”
While formula and milk are staples of a baby’s diet, move away from the bottle when the time is right. “Introduce solid foods early to avoid extended bottle feeding, in addition to allowing babies to get used to chewing, and to different foods and textures,” says Dawn M. Forbes, DDS, of Kids Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Monmouth Junction.
Any type of liquid—whether it’s milk, juice or Pediasure—can sit on the gums and teeth overnight. “Before bedtime, make sure teeth are clean—milk left on teeth overnight significantly increases the risk of early cavities,” says Kelly Walk, DDS, also of Westfield Pediatric.
DO: Establish Good Dental Habits Early
“Before the first tooth appears, wipe gums and the tongue with a damp cloth after feeding to remove food and bacteria,” says Forbes. “Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use an infant toothbrush with extra soft bristles.”
Once two teeth begin touching, usually around age 2 or 3, it’s time to start flossing, says McCabe.
DON’T: Share With Your Baby
You may not realize that sharing utensils, cups or pacifiers can affect your baby’s dental health. “Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from parent to child through saliva,” says Walk.
DON’T: Rely on Teething Gels or Pacifiers
Some babies can have an adverse reaction to benzocaine or other ingredients found in teething medications, Forbes says.
She also cautions against improper pacifier use. “Don’t attach long strings to hold a pacifier; this can cause strangulation,” she says. “Don’t attach toys or objects to a pacifier; this extra weight can cause teeth and the jaw to shift, resulting in malocclusion and jaw discrepancy.”
DO: Find a Dentist as Soon as Possible
The first dental visit, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is when the first tooth erupts or at age 1, “mainly to establish a dental home and provide anticipatory guidance,” Forbes says.
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Read More:
The Surprising Impact Diet Has on Your Kid’s Dental Health
How to Handle Every Kind of Dental Emergency for Your Kids
