6 Baby Teeth Care Tips

One of the biggest milestones in your baby’s life is getting their first little tooth. While baby teeth may be small, they have an important function. They help your child chew food and speak clearly. And they act as placeholders until your child’s permanent teeth come in. Therefore, baby teeth care is as important as maintaining the rest of your baby’s health.
By following these baby teeth care tips, you can ensure your child’s teeth and gums stay strong and healthy as your child grows up in Hendricks County.
1. Wipe Your Baby’s Gums 
Even before your baby’s first tooth comes in, you should gently wipe off bacteria from your baby’s gums with a clean, soft, moistened washcloth or a piece of gauze. Clean your baby’s gums after feedings and before bedtime.
2. Brush Your Baby’s Teeth 
Once your baby’s teeth appear, generally around 6 months, you can use a toothbrush to gently clean their teeth and gums at least twice a day to prevent early childhood caries. Choose a toothbrush from a Hendricks County store that has a small head and soft bristles. Brush their teeth until they’re able to do it on their own. Use a small pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit on their own (usually around 2 to 3 years old).
3. Floss Your Baby’s Teeth  
Once your baby’s teeth touch, you should begin flossing their teeth to prevent cavities from forming in between the teeth.
4. Watch for Signs of Tooth Decay 
Normal baby teeth should be an ivory or off-white color. Periodically, examine your baby’s teeth for signs of tooth decay, such as brown or white spots, or pits on their teeth. If you notice any discolorations, schedule an appointment with Danville Family Dentistry for an exam.
5. Prevent Cavities  
To help prevent tooth decay, don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of breast milk, formula, milk, fruit juices, sodas or other sugary drinks. Bacteria feed on the sugars in these beverages when they pool in your baby’s mouth while they’re sleeping. Also, when feeding your baby, limit any sweets, like fruit, puddings or cookies that can promote bacteria growth, too.
6. Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit
Even if your baby isn’t experiencing any problems, schedule a baby teeth care appointment at Danville Family Dentistry in Hendricks County by their first birthday. Dr. Jon Erickson can exam your baby’s teeth to make sure they’re healthy while offering baby teeth care advice to ensure your child establishes a lifetime of good oral health.