Jul 19, 2023
Infant Teeth Care Tips Every Parent Needs to Follow
As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your little one – from their first smile to their first steps. And while you may be diligently taking care of their physical and emotional needs, it’s easy to overlook an important aspect of their well-being: dental health. A professional southeast calgary dentist explained that even tiny teeth need attention and proper oral care.
So today, let’s be a smart parent that can keep the baby’s mouth healthy so that they can continue flashing those adorable toothy grins as they grow.
Start Cleaning Your Baby’s Mouth Even If They Still Don’t Have Teeth
Starting early is key. Even before your little one’s first tooth makes an appearance, it’s important to get into the habit of cleaning their mouth. You can simply wipe their gums gently with a clean, damp cloth or use a soft silicone finger brush specifically designed for infants.
Cleaning your baby’s mouth not only helps remove any residual milk or formula but also gets them used to the sensation and routine of brushing. This way, when those pearly whites do start coming in, they’ll already be familiar with the process.
Say No to Bottles at Your Baby’s Bedtime
It’s tempting to give your baby a bottle to soothe them to sleep, but this seemingly innocent habit can have serious consequences for their dental health. When a baby falls asleep with their bottle in their mouth, the liquid pools around their teeth and gums. This constant exposure creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and leads to tooth decay.
So instead of using a bottle as a sleep aid, try other comforting techniques like singing or rocking your baby. If you do give them a bottle before bed, make sure it contains only water. Another alternative is transitioning from bottle feeding to cup feeding as soon as your child is ready. Cup feeding reduces prolonged contact between sugary liquids and their teeth, minimizing the risk of decay.
Pay Attention to Any Sign of Tooth Decay
While your baby’s teeth may be small and temporary, it is still important to maintain oral health from an early age. Tooth decay in infants can occur as soon as the first tooth appears, so it is a must to regularly check for any signs of trouble. Keep an eye out for discolored or spotted areas on the teeth, as well as white spots that could indicate enamel erosion.
So, watch for changes in behavior during feeding or when your baby is chewing on toys. If they display discomfort or pain while eating or playing with objects, this could be a sign that something isn’t right with their teeth.
Switch to Orthodontic Pacifiers
If your baby is still using a pacifier, make sure to get the orthodontic model as soon as possible. These specially designed pacifiers have a shape that supports the natural development of your baby’s mouth and teeth. Orthodontic pacifiers help promote proper jaw alignment and prevent dental issues later on.
Unlike traditional pacifiers, they have a flattened nipple that fits comfortably in your baby’s mouth without causing any harm or interfering with their oral development. An orthodontic pacifier can also reduce the risk of developing problems such as overbites or crossbites.
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