Teeth and Gum Care for Infants and Toddlers

Just like adults, kids also need proper dental care. Some parents underrate good dental care for their children. Dental experts recommend that you start caring for your child’s dental health as early as possible.

Please realize that most dental issues develop at an early age. If not addressed, these issues remain for the rest of the child’s life, leading to more serious dental problems. That said, here are a few tips to help you care for your baby’s teeth and gums.

When to Start Dental Visits

It would help if you started taking your child to the dentist as soon as their first teeth come in. In the beginning, several things project the dental health of your child in the future.

The dentist can detect and fix problems that increase the chance of dental issues like cavities developing in the future. The best time to start regular dental visits is when the child develops the full set of milk teeth.

Cleaning Your Baby’s Mouth

It’s essential to clean your child’s mouth at least once a day, even before their teeth erupt. Use a clean, soft cloth or gauze to clean the teeth and gums. Follow these steps:

• Sit on a chair and place your baby’s head in your lap. Be sure the child is comfortable, and you can effortlessly see into his mouth.
• Place the soft cloth or gauze pad over your finger and dip it in water. It should be damp and not dripping wet.
• Use the damp cloth or gauze pad to wipe the baby’s gums and teeth gently.

When your child’s teeth start erupting, clean them using a soft toothbrush. Brush all teeth surfaces, including the gums.

While it is not necessary to use toothpaste, consider using a little amount of fluoride toothpaste. By the time kids turn 11 years old, they should be able to brush their teeth properly without adult supervision.

Bottle Feeding

It’s advisable to hold your child during bottle feeding. Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle in his mouth. Otherwise, the milk may collect in the child’s mouth, leading to tooth decay.

These tips will take you a long way toward keeping your baby’s teeth and gums healthy.