Dental Care of Your Baby
Q: When should my child first see
a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums
it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the
first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months
of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect
your child's smile now and in the future.
Q: Why so early? What dental problems could
a baby have?
A: The most important reason is a practical
prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big
concern is nursing or baby bottle tooth decay. Your baby risks
severe decay when he or she nurses continuously from the breast
or from a bottle of milk, formula, or juice during naps or
at night.
Another concern is gum disease. Recent studies show nearly
half of all children aged two and three have at least mild
inflammation of gum tissues. The earlier the dental visit,
the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children
with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly,
and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime
of good dental habits.
Q: How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing
or a bottle?
A: Don't nurse your child to sleep or put
your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or
sweetened liquid. Use only water in the bottle, or give your
baby a pacifier. Check with your pediatric dentist to make
sure your child is getting enough fluoride for decay protection.
Lastly, learn how to brush and floss your child's teeth.
Q: When should bottle or breast feeding be stopped?
A: To assure good dental health, infants
should be weaned from a bottle or nursing at one year of age.
Q: Should I worry about thumb or finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for
infants: most stop by age two. If your child doesn't, discourage
it after age four. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded,
crooked teeth or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will
be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb-sucking
habit.
Q: When should I start cleaning my baby's
teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting
at birth, clean your baby's gums with a clean damp wash cloth.
Use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste if your pediatric dentist
advises fluoride protection. Later, brush your child's teeth
with fluoride toothpaste and small, soft-bristled toothbrush.
Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity
to brush their teeth effectively.
Q: Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age three, your child
may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many babies like a clean
teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet wash cloth. Some parents
swear by a chilled teething ring: others simply rub the baby's
gums with a clean finger.
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