Giving your baby a head-start on oral hygiene can pave the way for a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth. As a parent, having questions about the best practices for baby oral care is natural. Here are three essential tips from a trusted dentist in Apple Valley, MN, to help keep your baby's gums and teeth healthy.
1. Start Early
While your baby's first teeth may not appear until they are six months old, starting oral care early is important. Use a clean, damp washcloth or a specially designed infant gum massager to clean your baby's gums. Regularly cleaning your baby's gums removes sugar and bacteria and helps them get used to having their mouth cleaned.
2. Practice Proper Brushing
Once the first tooth appears, it's time to start brushing. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Gently brush all sides of the teeth and the tongue once in the morning and at night.
Fluoride toothpaste strengthens the enamel, making it harder for acids to damage your baby's teeth. As your child grows, they can gradually start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Be sure to supervise brushing to ensure they spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.
3. Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule your baby's first dental appointment soon after their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday. Regular checkups with a dentist in Apple Valley, MN, allow early detection and treatment of any potential issues, setting the stage for good oral health.
During these checkups, the dentist can offer personalized advice for baby oral care in Apple Valley, MN, and answer any questions you may have. Regular dental checkups also help your child become comfortable with the dentist from an early age.
A Few Extra Tips
In addition to these practices, we recommend limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks and avoiding putting your baby to bed with a bottle to prevent "bottle decay." Also, try to wean your child off pacifiers by age two to prevent dental problems like bite misalignment and crooked teeth.
Is It Time for Your Child's Dental Checkup?
Taking care of your baby's oral health from the start is crucial in ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. With these tips and regular visits to a trusted pediatric dentist in Apple Valley, MN, you can establish a strong foundation for your baby's dental health. Call us today to schedule your child's dental appointment.
Our Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics team looks forward to helping your little one have a healthy, happy smile!