Can You Do More To Protect Your Baby’s Teeth?

Posted December 29, 2016

Do you ever wonder if your baby really needs any dental care? After all, his or her smile is likely only gums at this point. How could invisible teeth need protecting? The truth is even babies are susceptible to oral health problems, including baby bottle tooth decay. To prevent this, you should consider gently wiping your baby’s gums clean after feedings, to help prevent decay. But there is more that should be done, too, in order to help keep your child’s smile healthy, and your pediatric dentist can help!

Keeping Gums Clean Can Protect the Teeth

Exposure to bacteria can pose a threat to one’s oral health, even babies. Fortunately, you can clean your child’s gums simply, quickly, with just a clean, damp cloth. Doing so after feedings, particularly before bed, can help cut down the chances that he or she will struggle with what is commonly referred to as baby bottle tooth decay.

Once teeth begin erupting, you can then begin brushing with a child-sized toothbrush.

Of course, you should also take your child to see the dentist for the first time around the date of his or her first birthday. After this point, routine dental visits, approximately once every six months, become imperative to maintaining one’s oral health.

Pacifier Habits and Thumbsucking Can Impact Oral Health

While sucking on a pacifier or thumb is generally just a soothing mechanism, and one that most kids grow out of on their own, if your baby is sucking on his or her thumb or pacifier all the time, it could potentially lead to problems with the teeth’s alignment, as well as discomfort.

If you are concerned about this, speak to your children’s pediatric dentist about ways to prevent side effects, including ways of helping to wean your child off the habit.