Caring for your baby’s teeth is important, even though she will ultimately loose them all anyway. The baby teeth act as spacers for the grown teeth. They also help babies eat a variety of food textures and help speech develop properly as baby grows. Preventing painful tooth decay is another good reason to clean baby’s teeth every day.When should I start cleaning my baby’s gums and teeth?
You don’t have to wait for the first tooth. Start oral hygiene before teeth appear by using a damp soft washcloth or gauze to gently wipe the upper and lower gums after meals. Once teeth come in, introduce a toddler toothbrush at around one year of age — let your baby hold it and chew on it first to get comfortable with the feel.
Should I use toothpaste on my baby’s teeth?
Babies don’t really need toothpaste — a little water works fine. If you prefer to use toothpaste, choose one formulated for infants without fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is generally avoided until age two because babies tend to swallow rather than spit, and combining fluoridated water, supplements, and fluoride paste can lead to discoloration of the tooth enamel.
Why do baby teeth matter if they are going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth serve important purposes beyond just chewing. They act as spacers that hold room for incoming permanent teeth, support proper jaw development, and help your baby eat a variety of food textures as she grows. They also play a role in speech development. Preventing painful tooth decay is a strong reason to clean them daily from the very start.
When should my baby have her first dentist visit?
Take your child to the dentist as soon as she gets her first teeth. The earlier and more regularly you start dental visits, the fewer cavities your child is likely to have. Starting early also helps your baby get used to the dentist, making future appointments much easier as she grows.
The time you spend caring for your baby’s teeth will benefit her long after childhood has ended. For more tips on dental care, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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About the author
Maya Bennett
Meet Maya Bennett Maya Bennett is a pregnancy and parenting writer and a mom of two. After navigating two very different pregnancies of her own — and years spent reading, researching, and trading stories with other expectant parents — she fell in love with helping families feel ready for what’s ahead. At More4Kids, Maya turns the big questions and quiet worries of pregnancy into warm, practical guidance, from the first positive test through the tender early days with a newborn. She believes every parent-to-be deserves clear answers and a little reassurance along the way.
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