How To Keep Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy
Even though your baby may not have cut any teeth yet, it’s never too early to think about dental care. Here’s how to make sure your kids keep their pearly whites healthy for life.
THE BABY DAYS
Infants need oral care even before their teeth come in, says Elisa J. Velazquez, DMD, MSD, president of the NJ Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Hispanic Dental Association, and the NJ Dental Association. “Wipe the child’s gums after each feeding. Gradually begin brushing the gums and teeth as they erupt with a soft brush. Babies should never go to bed with a bottle; ideally, brushing should be the last thing that happens before bed.” Thumb sucking or pacifier use are natural forms of self-soothing, but parents should decrease these habits around 18 months.
“Remember, they may experience irritability during teething. Rubbing the gums with a clean finger, washcloth or teething ring may help with discomfort. Please avoid teething necklaces, teething tablets or pain medications containing benzocaine.” Teethers have parts that can break off and be a choking hazard, she says. If a teether is filled with liquid, newly erupting teeth could puncture and release the liquid.
KEEPING CAVITIES AWAY
Kids have 20 baby teeth, which they start losing between the ages of 5 and 7. Baby’s teeth typically fall out and are replaced by about 12 years old. But you still want to avoid cavities in baby’s teeth. Any food or drinks that have natural or added sugars can cause cavities. Juice, starchy snacks and sticky snacks (like gummy bears) are leading causes of tooth decay for kids.