Tips With Regard to Initial Tooth Care of a Baby

Proper dental care for a small child begins immediately after the appearance of first teeth. It is essential for parents to take care of the child’s teeth from an early age because baby’s teeth play an important role in the growth and overall health of permanent set of teeth. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children the importance healthy eating.

Many parents are unaware that the dental diseases among the children can be prevented as soon as they are born. During the seventh and ninth months of pregnancy, primary teeth of baby are about to be completely formed in the jawbone. The development of permanent set of teeth starts at birth. Even before the appearance of the first teeth, doctors recommend to clean the infant’s mouth. Take a soft and damp clean cloth, evenly dab the gum pads of a baby’s mouth. It will prevent the formation of germs in the mouth.

Doctor’s recommends parents of an infant to begin with the dental check up as soon as the child turns 12 months of age. According to pediatric dentists, a baby should visit a dentist before the eruption of 20 primary teeth. First visit to dentist includes complete evaluation and examination of baby’s mouth and teeth. Parents should be educated so that they can give proper dental care to infants at house. Dentists further advise parents to give proper diet to infants and use fluoride and toothbrushes for them.

The eruption of first tooth appears as soon as baby turns six months of age. During the eruption of teeth, several babies experience pain and discomfort. They become irritable, suck on their blankets, toys or fingers, salivate a lot and lost their appetite. If a child develops diarrhea, fever or flu like symptoms, it is recommended to contact a doctor. Frequent intake of water, cool and hard teething toys reduces teething pain and discomfort in a child.

Remember the following after the eruption of first teeth:

• Avoid using sippy cups as they can lead to dental problems and cavities like teeth misalignment.
• Excessive use of sugary liquids or sweets in a baby’s mouth leads to early dental decay.
• Hold the babies and bottle during feeding. Not only it can lead to the formation of cavities, it can choke the baby.
• Fluoride supplements prevent tooth decay and make your baby’s teeth healthier and stronger.
• As soon as a child learns to walk, make sure that he does not walk with a sippy cup or bottle in his mouth. Be careful to dental injuries.

Healthy habits inculcated from early childhood lasts life long. Therefore, ensure that your child grows with a proper dental care and healthy eating habits.