Caring for your Infant’s Teeth Starts at Day One.
For the first 6 months, you should clean your child’s gums by gently rubbing a damp cloth over the gums after each meal.
Teeth will typically begin to appear between 6 months to their first birthday. This is when you will start brushing their teeth twice each day with non-fluoride toothpaste or plain water. You should start flossing every day once there are two teeth that are touching, preferably before bedtime.
Does your child sleeps with a bottle? If so, fill it only with water. Giving them other drinks, such as formula or fruit juice, can actually start tooth decay. This condition, known as early childhood caries, can be painful and have a serious impact on your child’s health in the future.
Most of your child’s baby teeth should have erupted between their 1st and 2nd birthdays. Continue to brush twice each day with a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once each day. Check your child’s teeth for signs of early tooth decay at least once a month.
Scheduling your Baby’s First Dental Exam
Your child’s first dental appointment should be between the first tooth arriving and their first birthday. Monitor the growth of their teeth and check for brown or white spots. If you see something that concerns you, call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Early intervention is key even at this young age.
The best guideline to follow is to schedule the first visit to the dentist when your child is not in pain. This helps build a happy relationship between your child and your dentist and makes future visits much easier.
