Is your little bundle of joy becoming a moody mess, because of teething? Perhaps you only recently noticed a tooth beginning to erupt, and are wondering what, if anything, you need to do to help keep your child comfortable during this process, and also to protect his or her smile moving forward. It’s important, as a parent, to realize that babies need dental care, just as children and adults do. How to best care for the smile, though, depends on the age of your child and how many teeth are visible.
Why Do Babies Need Dental Care?
Even babies with no teeth visible are still in need of proper preventive dental care. That is because even the gums are susceptible to oral health threats. For babies, the most common issue is baby bottle tooth decay. Preventing this can be as simple as using a soft, clean cloth to wipe the gums clean after feedings. However, it’s also important that you avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of anything other than water.
As Teeth Appear, Dental Care Should Increase
Once teeth begin erupting, you should begin gently brushing them with a baby-sized toothbrush. Toothpaste isn’t necessary at first, but it is important to brush the teeth at least once a day, to help keep them clean.
After age one, it is also time to start taking your child to see the dentist at least twice a year, for checkups and cleanings. This way your dentist can help you address any oral health threats that might be present, but also so he or she can supply you with invaluable advice about how to best protect your child’s smile.
Recent Comments