From the arrival of your baby’s first tooth to the emergence of their full set of baby teeth — and even that first baby tooth lost (cue the tooth fairy!) — there are a lot of milestones in your child’s earliest smiles.
At SMILE! Advanced Dental Center, we celebrate them all.
Through our pediatric dentistry services, we champion children’s oral care from the very beginning because we know how important it is for their overall health and well-being.
After all, it’s a common misconception that baby teeth aren’t that important since they aren’t permanent. But they actually play a crucial role in your child’s future dental development while laying the foundation for a healthy smile.
Here are five essential tips we recommend for parents to best care for those tiny gums and teeth:
1. Start Early by Cleaning Your Baby’s Gums
Before you even see a sign of that first tiny tooth, you can begin protecting your infant’s mouth by cleaning their gums after each feeding — or at least two times a day. Beginning this routine early will help prevent bacteria from staying on young gums and forming plaque. This keeps the gums healthy and provides a good foundation for baby teeth when they emerge.
Products like all-natural baby gum and tooth wipes can be helpful in the very early stages; they’re specifically formulated and designed to help soothe gums and cleanse gums and tiny teeth. You can also just wrap a damp piece of gauze around your finger or use a warm, wet washcloth.
2. Know How to Navigate the Teething Phase
Teething generally begins around four months of age and it can be a challenging time — for both babies and parents! There are several methods you can try to alleviate the discomfort while keeping your child’s mouth healthy.
Teething rings are a popular solution but try chilling the ring in the refrigerator for an extra relief factor. The slightly chilled surface helps to numb the gums. A toothbrush teether is another variation that looks more like a toothbrush and can help your baby self-soothe (while getting them used to the idea of holding a toothbrush in the future!).
You can also try gently rubbing a cold washcloth over your baby’s gums.
Always consult your pediatrician if you notice teething becoming particularly problematic or painful — or there are other symptoms of concern, like a fever.
3. Limit Sugary Substances
Sugary drinks and snacks are ubiquitous in the grocery store — especially for kids. And it’s not just sodas to worry about. Even supposedly healthy fruit juices and snacks often come packed with added sugars and other acidic substances that aren’t healthy for gums and can create problematic tooth decay.
Just as you want to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your child as they transition to solid foods, it’s important to do the same for beverages as they move beyond formula or breastmilk. Consider excluding sodas and frequently exchanging juices for water.
Avoid using honey or sugar on a pacifier, too.
4. Instill Good Brushing Habits Early On
Once your child has all their baby teeth, it’s a great time to introduce them to the toothbrush (and toothpaste!). There are many oral care brands that have made specific toothbrushes and specially formulated toothpastes that are both safe and palatable for the early years, knowing that young mouths have different needs.
By preventing cavities in baby teeth and instilling healthy oral health habits early on, you’re setting your child up for better success once they have their permanent teeth.
5. Schedule Your Child’s First Teeth Cleaning
Starting your child off early with regular dental cleanings and exams is a great way to monitor their oral health and address any concerns while setting them up for the healthiest smile possible in the future.
At SMILE! Advanced Dental Center, we’re pleased to provide pediatric dentistry services, starting at age 3, to help you keep your child’s smile in good health. We encourage a regular dental exam and cleaning every six months for children.
0 Comments