Healthy teeth form the foundation for your baby’s overall health, and caring for them is of vital importance. Most parents tend to take the hygiene of milk teeth lightly as they know their baby teeth will be replaced by permanent ones. However, baby teeth secure a space in the child’s gums for the permanent teeth to grow into, which is why ensuring that their milk teeth are healthy is an excellent way to pave the way for a healthy set of permanent teeth.
1) Start caring for them even before they come in. Make it a point to wipe down your baby’s gums every night with a clean cloth or towel. Gently massage the gums to ensure proper growth of the teeth, and if required, use a thimble to carefully dislodge any food that may be lodged in the gums.
2) Tooth decay can set in as soon as the teeth start coming in. For most babies, the front teeth begin to come in at around six months. Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to go in. Use no more than a rice-grain sized smear of fluoride toothpaste, for children under three years of age, and consult with your dentist before you begin.
3) Look out for the first signs of cavities in your child’s teeth. These can be identified by discoloration or minor pitting. This is usually caused by allowing the baby to suckle through the night. If your baby sleeps with a bottle, make sure the bottle is taken away after the baby has fallen asleep, to avoid cavities forming.
4) Most dentists recommend a baby’s first dental check-up when it turns one year old. Consult with your dentist to make sure you are caring for your baby’s teeth properly, and find out what you can do to ensure your baby’s teeth remain healthy.
At Gorgeous Smiles Dental, we take your family’s dental health very seriously. Your teeth are our priority.
We cater to patients of all ages. Call us on 03 9042 0483 or visit our website for more. We’re all smiles, and happy to help!
Check out our social media for the latest update on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube
