Baby Dental Care

There's a lot to take care of when you have a new baby. You need to develop a good feeding and sleeping schedule. You need to learn the best way to change diapers. You need to find the best ways to keep them comfortable and safe.

Did you also know that you need to take care of your baby's dental needs right from the time that they're born? You may be thinking, "But they don't have teeth yet!" Even so, there are steps you can take to ensure healthy teeth as your baby grows and those baby teeth start poking through. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do for your baby's dental health—and how we at Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry can help.

Daily Dental Care for Baby

Even when your baby doesn't have any teeth, it's important to take care of their mouth from the very beginning. After every feeding, clean the baby's mouth. A procedure you can follow:

  • Hold your baby in one arm
  • Wrap the index finger of your free hand in a moistened washcloth
  • Gently wash the gum tissues in your baby's mouth

Some other tips to follow with your baby:

  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle
  • Avoid propping a bottle in your baby's mouth
  • Avoid feeding your baby "at will"

Dental decay is a transmissible disease. Don't test the temperature of bottles with your mouth or clean pacifiers or bottle nipples with your mouth. Don't share spoons with your child. Following these simple practices can curb the transmission of bacteria that causes tooth decay from you to your baby.

Caring for Emerging Baby Teeth (6-12 Months)

Baby teeth have a lot of work to do. They keep spaces for the permanent teeth to come later. They help form the shape of your baby's face. They make it easier for your child to form words, chew, and eat. You can see why it's so important to take special care of them! In most infants, teething begins when infants are between four and six months old. During this period, their gums may swell and turn red, and they may be very uncomfortable. A clean teething ring (chilled, if possible) or a cold, damp, clean washcloth can relieve their discomfort.

A baby's first tooth usually appears between the ages of six to eight months. Right from the start, healthy dental routines can prevent or reduce tooth decay in both infants and children. The first visit to a pediatric dentist should take place within six months of the appearance of their first tooth or around their first birthday—whichever comes first. Continue to clean your child's mouth post-feeding. As teeth begin to come in, you can use a child-sized soft-bristled brush—no toothpaste—and gentle circles to brush your child's teeth clean. Don't forget to gently clean their tongue too!

As your child begins to eat more solid foods, you can wean them from the bottle and offer them juice or water in a cup. Encourage healthy choices and limit the number of sweetened beverages and foods your child takes in. Avoid allowing your child to walk around with their bottle. Get to know what normal means for your child's teeth and gums. Check regularly and watch for white or brown spots on their teeth. This can be a sign of decay. If you notice anything unusual in your child's mouth, make an appointment with your pediatric dentist. Your pediatric dentist can recommend fluoride supplements if your drinking water is not fluoridated. This will help promote healthy teeth and gums.

A Toddler's Teeth (12-18 months)

Around their first birthday, your child should be visiting the dentist for the first time. During your child's first appointment at Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry, we'll work hard to make sure your child is comfortable and has fun getting to know what it's like to have their teeth checked.

We'll check for any early signs of dental problems, and we'll go over the best ways to stay on top of your child's dental care. During this period of time, you should continue to brush your child's teeth after meals. You can start to add a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Check their teeth frequently for those brown and white spots which may indicate the presence of tooth decay. Items which go in the mouth should not be shared between children or between parent and child to avoid the transmission of bacteria.

Primary Teeth in Play (18 months-5 years)

All of a child's primary teeth should be in by the time they are about 2½ years old. By age 3, they should be weaned from pacifiers and no longer sucking their thumb—mention it to your dentist if this is not the case. Once a child turns 2, you can start increasing the amount of toothpaste used when brushing their teeth. An amount about the size of a pea should work well. Your child can also begin to brush their teeth themselves.

Model the best way to brush your teeth. Gentle circles around each tooth for about two minutes, making sure to catch every tooth. You should be monitoring your child as they learn how to take care of their own teeth. Most children can't brush their teeth unsupervised until they are 6 or 7 years old. Consider making brushing teeth a family affair. Everyone brushes together. Put on music or offer rewards for a good brushing session. Being consistent and positive about this task will set your child up for success. Your child should be visiting the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and an exam.

Dental Care and Your Baby

You'll want to find just the right pediatric dentist for your baby. You want someone who has a welcoming office and a gentle touch. You want someone your child trusts. At Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry, your child's dental health is our first priority. We'll work hard to keep your child's smile big and bright. Contact us for an appointment today.