Infant Dental Care

How Do You Take Care of an Infant’s Teeth?

Taking care of the teeth of an infant should begin as soon as their very first tooth comes in. As soon as a tooth is visible in their mouth, it is susceptible to decay. After a feeding, you should use a soft and damp washcloth or gauze pad to wipe any teeth and the gums of the infant.

Common in young children, “baby bottle syndrome” is one of the top causes of tooth decay. When your infant drinks from a bottle that contains either milk, juice, or formula, it is common for them to fall asleep with the bottle still in their mouth. This exposure to the acids and sugars contained in these can pool around the teeth, causing decay and discoloration. To learn more about this condition, click here.

Breast milk also contains sugar. So you should know that decay can also happen when a baby falls asleep while breastfeeding. To keep your baby from experiencing tooth decay, clean their teeth after each feeding. During nap times and at bedtime, only give them a bottle with water.

Start The Right Habits For Healthy Baby Teeth

Many studies have been done that show children who drink fluoridated water from the time of birth have 65% fewer cavities than those who do not. When these same children become teenagers, a majority of them still have no tooth decay.

For those who live in communities that do not have fluorinated water, you can use tablets, gel, or drops to get fluoride in your water. You can also go to the dentist and get topical fluoride treatments. You can also get fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help.

Providing the child with a balanced diet is also a key to healthy teeth and gums. Children all need calcium, which contributes to strong teeth. Some of the best sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, and cheese. There is some research that highly suggests eating cheese after a meal inhibits acids that cause tooth decay. Do not let them have snacks that have starch or sugar.

By Age 3

By the time they are 3, children should be brushing their own teeth with your supervision. When they get their primary teeth, or teeth start to touch each other, it is time to begin flossing.

By Age 8

By age 8, children should be able to floss and brush on their own. Make sure it is a daily routine for them, and you can enhance their experience with a colorful toothbrush and bubble gum flavored toothpaste.

With your guidance, and professional care from a good dentist, children will have the foundation they need to have healthy teeth for a lifetime.

At Boones Ferry Dental, we can care for patients young and old, and specialize in family, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home from the time you step in the door. You can follow them on Facebook and Google + to get some special deals on dental procedures, and get tips to improve the oral health of everyone in your family.

The post Infant Dental Care appeared first on .

from http://ift.tt/1Pel9lR
via IFTTT