A baby’s first teeth might not erupt until they are more than six months old but damage could be done to them already. There are several things a new parent can do to ensure their baby has healthy teeth for their entire childhood and it starts before they even see the beginning of a tooth coming through the gums.
Brushing
There’s no need to brush a baby’s gums but parents can wipe the inside of their baby’s mouth with a soft cloth after they nurse or eat baby foods. This removes excess sugar from the gums and prevents bacteria from sitting in the mouth for an extended period of time. Once the baby has a tooth, parents should use a soft toothbrush. No toothpaste is needed.
Limit Bottles
Babies who go to sleep with bottles may develop baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is completely preventable if parents hold their babies when they give them bottles to avoid having milk sit in their mouths while they sleep. Babies may find comfort in sleeping with a bottle close to them, so it’s best for parents to avoid this practice from the beginning. If a parent notices decay in their baby’s mouth, it’s important to get in touch with a Pediatric Dentist in Broken Arrow OK to schedule an appointment right away.
Preventive Care
A Pediatric Dentist in Broken Arrow OK may want to see their patients soon after they get their first teeth. Most children should visit the dentist before their third birthday regardless of whether they have any problems with their teeth. Children with no dental problems or family history of oral health issues may only need to see the dentist once every six months or less. Visiting the dentist early allows children to become comfortable with the process and gives them a great start toward a lifetime of good oral health.
Taking a child to a practice like Kid’s Dental ensures they will be treated like a child, not a miniature adult, when they visit the dentist. This special treatment helps them feel comfortable while they get preventative as well as restorative dental treatments. You can also connect them on Facebook.
