Caring for Baby Teeth
![Care for Baby Teeth](/uploads/2/6/1/6/26162668/1443457.jpg)
Too bad babies don't come with a manual, huh? Wouldn't that be great?! Boy, that manual would have all sorts of valuable information in it on how to deal with your crying baby, how to figure out what your baby's trying to tell you, and how to care for those tiny baby teeth that you're so excited to see but also add to the list of things you have to learn about your baby. Luckily, there are kids' dentists in Livingston who are experts in everything from how to brush baby teeth to thumb-sucking to what foods can cause tooth decay in little ones. Here are some tips on caring for your baby's brand new little teeth and when you should schedule your baby's first dental visit.
Before teeth
Your baby will take about two years to fill in two rows of little baby teeth. In the meantime, it's vital to take extra care of those little gums and teeth in order to get children ready for their adult teeth. Speaking, chewing, and healthy smiles are crucial to your child's well-being, and that means beginning proper oral healthcare now. Even before you see that first little tooth popping up, you can start caring for your baby's gums. Moisten a new piece of gauze or a soft, clean cloth with lukewarm water. Gently wipe baby's gums, especially after feedings and before bed. This should be done at least twice a day to remove bacteria, just as routine brushings will do for your child when he gets older.
After teeth
At the first sign of a little baby tooth popping up, start using a toothbrush. There are toothbrushes that are designed specifically for babies. If you can't find one of these, be sure to always choose one with a small head, very soft brush, and a large handle to aid you in brushing baby teeth. Start with a wet toothbrush and graduate to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste without fluoride when your child is about one year old. Fluoride toothpaste should be started at around age two. Brush your baby's teeth (or tooth) gently, front and back. Do this until your baby is able to hold the toothbrush herself, but continue supervising until you're comfortable she is able to handle brushing, spitting, and rinsing without your help. This means you'll be supervising your child until the age of five or six.
Dental visits
A common question parents have about caring for baby's teeth is when to begin scheduling dental visits. Top dentists recommend making an appointment with your family dentist in Livingston by baby's first birthday. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, you should take your baby to the dentist as soon as that first tooth surfaces. Reports from the ADA show that tooth decay is occurring in roughly 40 percent of American children by the age of five. Regular dental visits that start early are an effective means of preventing such dental problems in children, as they are avoidable with proper oral hygiene and routine dental checkups. Take your baby to a kids' dentist whose specialties include treating babies and children. You and your child should both feel comfortable with a dentist. At your baby's first dental visit, your dentist should be able to answer any questions you have regarding thumb-sucking, fluoride toothpaste, and all other aspects of your baby's dental care.
Baby tooth decay
Proper oral healthcare for babies is vital to the emergence of adult teeth. Keep sweets to a minimum. For babies, that includes fruit and juice, as these are often sweetened with sugar or even high fructose corn syrup. Starchy foods such as crackers, breads, and pretzels should be fed to baby minimally, as these can lead to cavities. Don't put baby to bed with a bottle of formula, juice, or milk, as these can cause bacteria buildup and tooth decay. Finally, watch for signs of tooth decay in your baby's new little teeth. These include white or brown spots and pits in the teeth. If you see signs of tooth decay in your baby's mouth, schedule an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible for an examination.
You've been ever-so watchful of your baby's first tooth coming in, and now that it's here, you've got a whole new job on your hands. Just like so many other aspects of raising your child, caring for those first little baby teeth means combining your know-how and loving care with your dentist's knowledge and experience. Contact a top dentist in your area of Livingston who can answer all your questions about caring for your baby's oral health and when you should schedule your child's first dental visit.
Before teeth
Your baby will take about two years to fill in two rows of little baby teeth. In the meantime, it's vital to take extra care of those little gums and teeth in order to get children ready for their adult teeth. Speaking, chewing, and healthy smiles are crucial to your child's well-being, and that means beginning proper oral healthcare now. Even before you see that first little tooth popping up, you can start caring for your baby's gums. Moisten a new piece of gauze or a soft, clean cloth with lukewarm water. Gently wipe baby's gums, especially after feedings and before bed. This should be done at least twice a day to remove bacteria, just as routine brushings will do for your child when he gets older.
After teeth
At the first sign of a little baby tooth popping up, start using a toothbrush. There are toothbrushes that are designed specifically for babies. If you can't find one of these, be sure to always choose one with a small head, very soft brush, and a large handle to aid you in brushing baby teeth. Start with a wet toothbrush and graduate to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste without fluoride when your child is about one year old. Fluoride toothpaste should be started at around age two. Brush your baby's teeth (or tooth) gently, front and back. Do this until your baby is able to hold the toothbrush herself, but continue supervising until you're comfortable she is able to handle brushing, spitting, and rinsing without your help. This means you'll be supervising your child until the age of five or six.
Dental visits
A common question parents have about caring for baby's teeth is when to begin scheduling dental visits. Top dentists recommend making an appointment with your family dentist in Livingston by baby's first birthday. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, you should take your baby to the dentist as soon as that first tooth surfaces. Reports from the ADA show that tooth decay is occurring in roughly 40 percent of American children by the age of five. Regular dental visits that start early are an effective means of preventing such dental problems in children, as they are avoidable with proper oral hygiene and routine dental checkups. Take your baby to a kids' dentist whose specialties include treating babies and children. You and your child should both feel comfortable with a dentist. At your baby's first dental visit, your dentist should be able to answer any questions you have regarding thumb-sucking, fluoride toothpaste, and all other aspects of your baby's dental care.
Baby tooth decay
Proper oral healthcare for babies is vital to the emergence of adult teeth. Keep sweets to a minimum. For babies, that includes fruit and juice, as these are often sweetened with sugar or even high fructose corn syrup. Starchy foods such as crackers, breads, and pretzels should be fed to baby minimally, as these can lead to cavities. Don't put baby to bed with a bottle of formula, juice, or milk, as these can cause bacteria buildup and tooth decay. Finally, watch for signs of tooth decay in your baby's new little teeth. These include white or brown spots and pits in the teeth. If you see signs of tooth decay in your baby's mouth, schedule an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible for an examination.
You've been ever-so watchful of your baby's first tooth coming in, and now that it's here, you've got a whole new job on your hands. Just like so many other aspects of raising your child, caring for those first little baby teeth means combining your know-how and loving care with your dentist's knowledge and experience. Contact a top dentist in your area of Livingston who can answer all your questions about caring for your baby's oral health and when you should schedule your child's first dental visit.