Infant Oral Care

Infant Oral Care

Infant Oral Care

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Infants do not need brushing or flossing but healthy teeth = a healthy smile. Certain factors can contribute to the baby’s appearance and health even before the first tooth appear. It is advisable for nursing mothers to avoid tetracycline, a common antibiotic, since it can cause tooth discoloration. Fluoride is beneficial because it strengthens the tooth enamel as the teeth are forming.

Infant oral care starts right even before the baby’s teeth erupt. It is important practice oral hygiene at a very early stage.

Infant Oral Care – Caring for infant’s teeth

Have a little one at home? Is baby biting and chewing on everything she/he can get its hands on? Is your little darling drooling, irritable and generally off food. Hmmm could be baby is now starting the process of teething. The little pearls are all set to erupt but causes a lot of discomfort to the infant. Here are some tips on Infant Oral Care :

Home remedies to soothe and relax baby during teething

It is good idea to help your baby by gently compressing a piece of clean fabric dipped in cold water or cold chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has the added bonus of helping to soothe and relax baby. Give baby cold slices of banana, mango, cucumber, watermelon, etc; to munch on.

Give the baby a teething necklace made of silicone and great for baby to use while sitting in mom’s lap or in a baby carrier. Baby can fiddle with it while she is nursed, which is a relief for both Mom and baby.

What is Baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is also known as Early Childhood Caries or Bottle Rot, where most of the teeth within a child’s or young adult’s mouth have decayed.

How do children get Baby bottle tooth decay?

Many children acquire it from the excessive consumption of sugary liquids like juice, formula and soda, the disease can also spread through oral contact with the contagious bacteria known as S. mutans.

How to avoid Baby bottle tooth decay?

One way to avoid this is to prevent your child from falling asleep with a bottle in the mouth for more than a few minutes. Furthermore, use bottles to store dairy liquids not soda and juices.

Try to include vegetables and whole grains. If the child does eat sugary foods make sure to give water after eating and don’t forget brushing and flossing.

Tips to avoid baby bottle tooth decay

Babies are prone to cavities as much as adults. Care needs to be taken to ensure the child has healthy teeth and gums. Some ways to prevent baby bottle tooth decay are:

  • Limit snacking
  • Avoid the sugar dip
  • Don’t share the spoon
  • Keep a washcloth nearby
  • Brush away
  • Fill the bottle wisely
  • Obey naptime rules.

Sticking to these infant oral care rules will help your baby have a healthy body and smile. Tooth decay in toddlers is a common health concern and needs efficient and timely treatment by the dentist. Regular visit to your dentist will prevent tooth decay and help your child have healthy gums and teeth.

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Regular visits to a dentist are recommended to monitor the child’s oral health and identify any potential issues early on. By starting good oral care habits early, parents can set their child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. 

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

It’s important to start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come in, which is typically around 6 months of age. You can clean their teeth with a soft, damp cloth or a toothbrush designed for infants.

You should aim to clean your baby’s teeth twice a day, just like you would with your own teeth. It’s important to establish good oral care habits early on.

The ADA recommends taking your baby to their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth coming in, or no later than their first birthday.

To prevent tooth decay in your baby, you should avoid giving them sugary drinks, such as juice or soda, and limit their intake of sugary foods. You should also avoid putting them to bed with a bottle and encourage them to drink water instead.

It’s not uncommon for babies’ teeth to come in crooked or unevenly spaced. However, if you’re concerned, you can talk to your pediatrician or a dentist about your options. They may recommend orthodontic treatment down the line.

Tooth brushing can be a fun and enjoyable experience for your baby. You can sing songs or play games while you brush their teeth to make it more enjoyable. You can also let them pick out their own toothbrush or toothpaste to get them excited about oral care.

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