Proper oral care for infants can help prevent dental problems as your children get older, states the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. As soon as the first tooth erupts, it is at risk of decay. Be vigilant about keeping your baby's gums and teeth clean, and you'll have fewer dental problems with which to deal later.
Before Teeth Erupt
MedLinePlus recommends cleaning your infant's gums after she eats. You can use a clean, damp washcloth or fresh piece of gauze to gently wipe across the surfaces inside her mouth. Never put a bottle in the crib with your baby. After you clean her gums at night, avoid giving her anything but water.
First Teeth
You may notice that your baby's gums become red or swollen as he starts to teeth. He might be cranky and drool. These are normal occurrences for children whose teeth are about to break through the gums. If he runs a fever, talk to his doctor. Although some people claim that their babies develop fevers when teething, something else might be going on that his doctor can determine.
While teething, your baby may want to chew on things to relieve the extra pressure on his gums. A chilled washcloth, teething rings or even a cold spoon may provide some relief.
As soon as the first tooth erupts, use a soft, child-size toothbrush to clean the tooth surface. Even though your infant will lose his baby teeth when his adult teeth come in, you want to avoid decay that will eat away the enamel and can cause infection, pain and self-image issues. Use a children's toothpaste that comes in a flavor your child likes, to make the routine more pleasant. Discuss whether or not to use a fluoridated toothpaste or additive with your baby's doctor.
Dentist Visits
Shortly after your baby's teeth begin to erupt, which is usually sometime during the last half of his baby's first year, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a dental visit. The dentist will inspect his mouth and start you on proper dental care to prevent problems in the future. It also gets your baby used to seeing the dentist. You should take your child to the dentist every six months.
Sucking
Although sucking is normal for babies, using a pacifier or sucking a thumb can cause the teeth to shift and create problems with the bite if it continues past the age of 2. If your baby uses a pacifier or sucks his thumb, discuss a plan of action to wean him of this, with the pediatric dentist, who can give you some suggestions. Plan to wean your baby from the bottle around his first birthday.
Baby Teeth
Once your baby's teeth begin to come in, you're likely to see a steady eruption of teeth until she has all her baby teeth. Continue to clean your baby's teeth at least twice a day--after breakfast and before bedtime. The last cleaning of the day is essential to prevent bacteria from building up and creating cavities while she is sleeping.
