How to Care for Your Baby’s First Teeth
As a parent, witnessing your baby’s first tooth emerge is an exciting milestone. However, this also marks the beginning of their oral care journey. Developing good dental hygiene habits from the start can help prevent cavities and ensure strong, healthy teeth as your child grows. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your baby’s first teeth.
1. Start Oral Care Early
Even before the first tooth appears, you should clean your baby’s gums. Use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush to wipe the gums after feeding. This helps remove bacteria and sets the foundation for good oral hygiene.
2. Brushing Baby Teeth
Once the first tooth emerges (usually around 6 months of age), switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently brush the tooth and gums twice a day. As more teeth come in, continue brushing and increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-sized portion by the age of three.
3. Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like milk, formula, or juice can lead to tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle, and instead, encourage them to drink from a sippy cup after their first birthday.
4. Introduce a Balanced Diet
A nutritious diet plays a crucial role in oral health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and offer your child healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains to support strong teeth and gums.
5. Schedule the First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. A pediatric dentist will check for any early signs of dental issues and provide guidance on proper oral care.
6. Encourage Healthy Oral Habits
As your baby grows, teach them the importance of oral hygiene. Encourage them to brush their teeth under supervision and eventually learn to spit out the toothpaste.
7. Watch for Teething Symptoms
Teething can cause discomfort, irritability, and drooling. To soothe sore gums, offer a clean teething ring, a chilled (not frozen) teething toy, or gently massage the gums with a clean finger.