5 Key Things to Know About Baby Teeth Care

Did you know that you should begin taking your child to regular dental check-ups as soon as their first tooth appears? Just because baby teeth eventually fall out doesn't mean they can be ignored. Keeping your child's first set of teeth healthy will help their permanent teeth grow in strong and healthy as well.

Baby teeth care is important for a child's overall health and well-being. Here are five key tips to know to care for those tiny teeth.

1. Baby's Mouth Needs Cleaning Even Before Teeth Come In

Gently wiping your baby's gums with a soft wet washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush a few times a day helps remove harmful excess bacteria from their mouth. It also helps them get used to the sensation of getting their mouth cleaned. It's a good idea to add this hygiene step to your daily baby care routine before teeth erupt.

2. Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a child is allowed to suck from a bottle that contains a sweet beverage such as fruit juice, formula, or even milk, which contains natural sugars. The beverage's sugars can make contact with the baby's teeth over a period of time, causing decay.

Unless the bottle contains plain unflavored water, don't let your child sleep with one.

3. Baby Teeth Need Brushing—And Flossing

As soon as the first tooth comes in, it should be cleaned using gauze, a facecloth, or a toothbrush. You should brush your child's teeth twice daily using a toothbrush designed for a small mouth and a fluoride toothpaste. Try a toothpaste designed for children that comes in fun flavors to make the task more enjoyable for your child. 

Once teeth have erupted and are touching one another, they should be flossed once a day as well. A handheld flosser can make the job a little easier for parents.

4. Start Regular Dental Visits Early

As already noted, your child should start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in or by the time they've celebrate their first birthday. Although it may seem early, it will get them used to the office's environment and allow the dentist to monitor how their teeth come in. It will also show them that the dentist office isn't a scary place, helping them become an adult who takes their oral health seriously.

You may wish to choose a pediatric dentist, as they specialize in treating children and know how to make them comfortable.

5. Set a Good Example

Baby teeth need your help keeping them clean until your child is coordinated enough to care for them themselves (but with supervision). This is usually by age six.

Kids love to copy their parents, so you can set a good example by getting them to brush and floss their teeth along with you. Practice good oral care at home and emphasize the importance of a healthy diet by avoiding excess sweets and processed foods that can harm teeth.

Remember These Baby Teeth Care Tips

With everything that busy parents have to deal with, baby teeth care can sometimes become an afterthought. But caring for your baby's teeth helps prevent cavities and other dental problems, and will help your child have a healthy smile for life!

For more tips on keeping your baby happy and healthy, check out our Every Thing Wellness posts under Latest News.