This is What Oral Health for Babies Should Look Like

It’s Never Too Soon to Expose Your Baby to These Oral Health Techniques

Establishing a long history of positive oral health in your child begins at the very early stages of life. Think of it as an investment: the earlier you begin, the better off they’ll be. Of course, many parents wonder why it’s even necessary to worry about oral hygiene for their child before their permanent teeth even grow in.

The truth is, even this early stage in dental development is crucial to the quality of a child’s smile. At Beaufils Dental, we value the oral health of our Cooper City patients and their families and believe that it’s never too early to promote positive oral hygiene.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why oral health for babies is so important to the development of a long-lasting smile.

A Healthy Smile Has a Developmental Stage, Too

We know that the first two years of a child’s life are crucial to their emotional and cognitive development. Well, the same can be said of the development of their teeth.

The timeline of a child’s primary teeth varies more than that of their permanent teeth. A baby’s first tooth usually erupts at around 6 month of age. By 9 months of age, the front 8 teeth (4 on top, 4 on bottom), are usually present. So, how soon should you start caring for your baby’s teeth? As soon as that first tooth makes its appearance, it’s time to start brushing.

Caring For Your Baby’s Smile

The path to positive oral health for babies is far more delicate than that of an adults, so it’s important to understand the steps that should be taken to practice oral hygiene safely. If you are starting a dental hygiene regimen for you baby, consider the following factors:

Begin brushing early (and don’t forget the gums).

Even if you’re only brushing a few tiny teeth, it’s still important to keep these teeth clean to set a healthy foundation for the eventual growth of permanent teeth. Brush your baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush (or cloth) at least once a day. As for fluoride toothpaste, the ADA suggests that you use only the amount equivalent to a grain of rice for children younger than 3 years old. The flouride contained in toothpaste is conducive to a baby’s oral health.

As for a baby’s gums, they should also be well cared for to prevent unwanted germs (especially since they’re at an age where they love to put their hands in their mouths). This process can begin even before a baby’s first tooth erupts. Keep the gums germ-free by sliding a washcloth over them. It’s advised that parents should keep their baby’s gums clean even before their first tooth erupts. Use a clean, soft cloth on the gums.

• • Be mindful of the foods they eat. While a baby may not be craving lolipops and candy bars just yet, it’s still important to incorporate foods into their diet that don’t contain vast amounts of sugar. Homemade food will obviously be easier to control; if you’re buying food, be sure to select the ones without sugar. Not sure what foods to feed your baby? Your best bet is to keep it healthy. Age is no exception when it comes to selecting healthy food choices, so try referencing the Food Pyramid for ideas. Keep your focus on the bottom tiers of the pyramid for the best selections.

This leads to another important diet factor, which is

• Restrict bottle feeding at night. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle–especially one filled with juice, formula or milk. These liquids contain sugars that can linger on the teeth (or tooth) and you could be setting your child up for Early Childhood Caries, or ECC.

Dental Health is a Family Affair

Beaufils Dental encourages parents of small children to practice oral hygiene regularly to ensure a quality smile for years to come. Our office helps families in the Cooper City area achieve healthy smiles. We also understand that an oral hygiene regimen varies with age, so we can advise on the steps you can take to promote positive dental hygiene for the whole family, no matter the age. Want to learn more about oral health for your baby and how you can establish healthy oral hygiene early? Call us today at 954-252-1390 today or schedule an appointment online to get started.