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.