How to care for your baby’s teeth

baby teethAccording 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.

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