Caring for your Baby’s Teeth

Watching your baby drool when their little chompers start to come in can be an exciting time. Learning how to take care your baby’s incoming teeth is crucial for their oral health development. We’ve compiled a list of some frequently asked questions to guide you in properly caring for your little one’s temporary teeth.

1. When should my child visit a dentist for the first time?

 

Dentists recommend your child should stop in for visit a little before their first birthday, or about 6 months after their first tooth comes in. Bringing in your child early is a great way to develop the correct practices to care for their teeth.

2. When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

You should be cleaning your baby’s gums even before their teeth begin to emerge. Take a warm, damp washcloth or gauze and wrap it around your finger to wipe of their gums after they eat and before bedtime to wipe off excess food.

Once your child has a few more teeth, you can use a very small toothbrush and a small amount of baby-safe toothpaste to start cleaning off any buildup that might appear on their baby teeth.

3. Is it okay for my baby to sleep with their bottle?

Do not let your baby sleep with their bottle, especially when it is filled with milk or any type of sugary drink. Allowing your baby to sleep with your bottle with anything other than water can lead to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Try to have your baby finish their bottle before being put down to rest and avoid filling their bottle with juice or soft drinks.

4. Are baby teeth that important for my child in the future?

Yes! Taking care of your baby’s gums and teeth while they come in is important for the development of their permanent teeth. Your baby’s teeth will determine the spacing of their permanent teeth. Their baby teeth are also important for them to chew and learn how to speak properly. Protecting them now from tooth decay and gingivitis is crucial for your baby’s oral health.  

5. When should I start using toothpaste and how much?

You can start using fluoride-free toothpaste when your child’s first tooth comes in. The recommendation is to use just a tiny smear, about the size of a grain of rice.

Once your child is about 3 years old, you can start using fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a pea. Be sure to brush both the front and back of your baby’s teeth.

When you’re ready, bring your entire family to Shoreline Dental Studios for a check-up and oral exam. We can help guide you on how to care for your little one’s teeth to start them on a path to a beautiful, strong, and healthy smile that lasts them their lifetime.