Oral Health Articles: Dental Health for your Baby

Even though your baby may have only one or two teeth, it is critical that you start establishing healthy dental practices at a young age. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, once a child begins eating or drinking anything other than breast milk, any teeth above the gums are at risk for decay.

The Academy recommends not allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle of anything except water and, specifically, avoiding allowing a child to drink juice out of a bottle. In regard to thumb sucking, it is important to take your child to a pediatric dentist if this habit is continued longer than age 3. Long-term thumb sucking can lead to crooked teeth and bite problems, so make sure this habit is ended before any damage can be done. Finally, the Academy recommends starting to clean your baby’s mouth and teeth as soon as possible.

Even if a baby does not yet have any teeth, parents can still use either a soft toothbrush made for infants or a cloth to clean the baby’s gums. Once teeth erupt, parents should use a soft-bristled toothbrush (in an age-appropriate size) to clean the child’s teeth twice a day with a tiny bit of toothpaste.

By starting your child on a path of good oral health as an infant, you can set her up for a lifetime of healthy teeth. True Dental Discounts will help you achieve this goal without breaking the bank.

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