Early infant oral care is essential for your child’s health, even before their first tooth appears. By establishing good habits early, you can help prevent cavities and ensure a healthy smile as your baby grows.
Begin by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. This helps remove any lingering formula or milk and prevents bacteria buildup. Even though teeth are not yet visible, this practice lays the foundation for good oral hygiene.
Teeth typically start to erupt around 6 months of age, continuing to appear until about age 3. As soon as the first tooth breaks through the gums, switch to a soft-bristle baby toothbrush. For children under 2 years old, use a tiny smear of child-safe toothpaste. After age 2, increase this to a pea-sized amount. Brushing should be done at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
It is also important to manage your baby’s diet to protect their teeth. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with juice or other sweetened liquids. If your baby needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Teething can cause discomfort, making your baby irritable. To soothe their sore gums, offer a chilled teething ring and gently massage their gums with a cold washcloth. This can provide relief and help keep their mouth clean.
As soon as your child’s first tooth emerges, schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist, Dr. John Riehs for their initial “well-baby” visit. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to care for young children, ensuring their teeth develop correctly and remain healthy.
If you have any questions about early infant oral care, please contact Preston Center Pediatric Dentistry. We are here to support you and your child’s dental health journey, providing the guidance and care necessary for a bright, healthy smile, and our team will be happy to help you schedule an appointment and provide you with more information about early infant oral care in Dallas, Texas.
214-838-3210