Dental Care For Your Baby

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! Are you prepared for the arrival of your baby’s first tooth? Follow these guidelines and your child will be on the way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Caring for Gums

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, the gums can benefit from your careful attention. After breast- or bottle-feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or piece of gauze and gently rub it across your baby’s gum tissue. This practice both clears your little one’s mouth of any particles of food and begins the process for building good daily oral care habits.

Brushing with Toothpaste

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under three years old. For children aged three to six, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used. For younger children, you can wipe off excess toothpaste after brushing, and for older children, encourage them to spit out the toothpaste.

Avoiding Cavities

Avoid giving your baby sweetened liquids such as flavored drinks or soda. Even the natural sugars in fruit juice and milk can contribute to tooth decay, so regular cleaning of your baby’s teeth and gums is crucial. Once teeth begin to erupt, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can lead to early childhood tooth decay.

First Visit to the Dentist

The AAPD recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth's eruption, whichever comes first. Even tiny teeth are vulnerable to decay, so an early visit can help prevent future problems. During this appointment, we’ll check for any early signs of issues with your baby’s oral health and provide guidance on how to care for your little one’s teeth. Preparing for the visit with a positive attitude helps set the stage for your child to feel comfortable with regular dental checkups.

Setting a Good Example

Little ones are natural mimics, and you can use this to your advantage in teaching good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss your teeth daily while your child watches, and they’ll quickly understand the importance of these routines. When your child shows interest, give them their own toothbrush—look for ones with chunky, easy-to-grip handles—and encourage them to “brush” alongside you. However, until your child can tie their own shoes, they likely don’t have the dexterity to clean their teeth thoroughly, so you’ll need to do the brushing for them. Make the experience fun with flavored toothpaste, character-themed toothbrushes, or by singing songs while brushing. The goal is to establish positive oral hygiene habits early, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!