December 28th, 2009 Baby Teeth Care: preventing cavities
You need to plan on your baby’s teeth care from the beginning. Be careful in dealing with mouth germs and oral care.
Sugar provides a bacteria feeding ground that produces the acids that attack teeth. Your baby does not have these when born. They get introduced. You can introduce these germs by doing things you may think normal, like sharing spoons with your baby. You should not do that, especially if you have a history of tooth decay. You introduce your mouth bacteria every time you share spoons or a pacifier that you think you “cleaned” by putting it in your mouth first. Babies that get these bacteria early have been shown to have a greater risk for tooth decay later in life. Try and avoid letting your baby stick his fingers in his mouth as well. Tooth problems can affect the way your baby talks and chews.
Don’t let your child have a sippy cup or bottle continuously. Especially while sleeping. The liquid can pool in the mouth and the sugars will enhance the bacteria. Sippy cups are suspected of leading to early tooth decay.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend that you take your baby for the first dental visit as soon as the first tooth comes in. This means at least before their first birthday. This will give you a heads-up on any mouth and tooth problems your baby may have. You should choose a pediatric dentist to be the one to follow your baby until at least three years of age.
Before using a toothbrush and toothpaste, get instructions from the dentist as to what brush and toothpaste to use.
Remember to always think about you interact with your baby!
Thanks for visiting Breast Milk is Best .com
>Check out more of our baby and new mom resources and tips!
>How to be a Teacher and Find a Teaching Job