When your baby’s first tooth makes an appearance, it’s time to introduce a baby toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles. Gently brushing your baby’s teeth helps remove plaque and begins building healthy habits from an early age.
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, their gums benefit from gentle care. After feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth and gently wipe your baby’s gums.
This helps remove food residue and allows your child to become familiar with the routine of daily oral care.
To help protect your baby’s developing smile, avoid giving your baby sweetened liquids. Sugars found in drinks such as fruit juice, formula, milk, and soda can contribute to tooth decay, making regular cleaning of your baby’s gums and teeth especially important.
Your baby should not go to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water. When sugary liquids remain in contact with teeth for extended periods, it can increase the risk of early childhood tooth decay, also known as baby bottle caries
Our office, along with the Canadian and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday.
An early visit allows our team to monitor your child’s oral development, answer questions, and help establish healthy dental habits from the beginning.