How to Keep Your Baby’s Teeth Cavity Free

When children get cavities at a young age the treatment experience can feel traumatic to them (and you). It often creates dental anxiety and can lead to years of fear, neglect and poor oral health.

Baby teeth are important as they hold the space for adult teeth to grow in to. They keep everything in it’s proper place, which is important for your child’s future. They also support chewing and properly breaking down food for digestion. We want to keep them healthy and cavity free.

The first step is to clean your baby’s gums and teeth at home:

• From birth to 12 months: Gently wipe their gums and the inside of their mouth clean with a soft cloth. Once the baby teeth come in you can start brushing with a soft baby toothbrush and rice sized smear of toothpaste.
• Ages 1 to 3 years: Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with the soft brush and smear of toothpaste for about 2 minutes.

Other tips for cavity prevention include:

Take care of your own oral health during your pregnancy: This includes brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, exams, and resolving any dental issues. Gum disease can be dangerous for your unborn baby and when you are in good health, your baby will likely be too.

Do not give your baby juice in a bottle or sippy cup: Juice is like liquid sugar and the cups and bottles will marinate their teeth in it. If your child must have a bottle or sippy cup, especially for long periods, fill it with water only.

Teach your child to drink from a regular cup as soon as possible. It will be safer for their teeth and is not something usually taken to bed.

Don’t give your child food or a bottle in bed: This not only protects their teeth but can prevent choking and ear infections as well.

Limit sweet snacks, especially ones that will stick to their teeth: If they are going to have a treat the best time is right before you brush their teeth.

Take them to see the dentist by about age 1: Even if they are not ready for an actual exam, we might give them a ride up and down in the chair and count their teeth. This will help them feel good about going to the dentist and can give them a head start toward a lifetime of good dental health. We can see them earlier if you have any concerns.

Here at KN Dentistry, several of us are mothers. We love children and know how to work with them. If you would like to find a gentle and caring dental team for your little one, give us a call.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562