According to the American Dental Association, you are caring for your baby’s teeth by choosing to eat healthy foods throughout your pregnancy. As baby teeth come in—from six to thirty-six months—here are other ways to care for your baby’s teeth.
- Wipe gums with a wet gauze pad after each feeding
- Try to get your baby to finish the bottle or breastfeeding before falling asleep so saliva will rinse out the mouth
- Do not use a bottle as a pacifier
- Avoid sugary drinks and honey
- Encourage your toddler and the rest of the family to eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Limit sweets to mealtimes and then practice dental hygiene immediately after the meal
- Use a soft brush and a little water to brush teeth every time your child eats or drinks
- Wait until age 2 to introduce a fluoride toothpaste and only do this if your child will willingly spit out the toothpaste
- Teach your child to drink from a real cup—instead of a Sippy cup—by the first birthday
- Watch out for stained or crooked teeth
- Schedule a dental check-up around baby’s first birthday
As always, if you and your little one have a dental emergency, give us a call.