Caring for your child's teeth begins even before he gets his first tooth.  Tooth decay can begin while the teeth are still embedded in the gums and haven't risen to the surface yet.  Making sure your child's gums are kept clean can help prevent early tooth decay and helps your child become comfortable with dental hygiene early on.  Continuing to care for your baby's teeth as they begin to sprout will help keep them clean and free of decay, as well as setting the ground work for good dental hygiene throughout life.  Infant dental care is just as important as early pediatric care.  Talk to your pediatrician about what they recommend and find a good pediatric dentist for your child when the time comes for that first dental visit.

Caring For Your Baby's Teeth 

Before The Teeth Arrive:  Before your baby gets her first tooth you should begin good dental hygiene.  This can be done by simply wiping her gums several times a day.  Pay particular attention to times of the day when she has just eaten and will be going down for a nap.  It is also not recommended that you put your child to bed with a bottle.  The formula or breastmilk will pool in his mouth which can lead to tooth decay.

Once The Teeth Begin to Sprout:  Once your baby gets her first tooth it is time to break out the tooth brush.  There are many infant tooth brushes on the market.  Look for one that has a small head that will easily fit in your baby's mouth and a handle that is comfortable for you to hold.  Brush your baby's teeth twice a day.  It is not necessary (or recommended) to use toothpaste at this time.  Now is a good time to begin to introduce this activity into your child's bedtime routine so they get used to brushing their teeth before bed.

As More Teeth Arrive and Your Child Gets Older:  As your child gets older and gets more teeth it is very important to keep up with the good dental hygiene that you began earlier.  The introduction of fluoridated tooth paste is recommended at age 2 years.  Be careful not to use too much toothpaste, only a pea sized amount is recommended at this age.  Monitor your child closely to ensure he doesn't swallow too much toothpaste.  There are non-fluoridated tooth pastes on the market designed for children.  Using one of these toothpastes first can help your child get used to using toothpaste before you introduce the fluoridated kind.  Talk you your pediatrician or dentist if you have questions or concerns.

The First Visit To The Dentist:  Most parents take their child to the dentist for the first time once he has most of or all of his teeth.  There are differing points of view regarding when you should take your child to the dentist for the first time.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at age 3 years unless there are some problems identified.  The American Dental Association recommends the first visit at age 6 months to 1 year.  Talk to your pediatrician and dentist to get their recommendations and make a decision that works for you and your child.  Getting your child used to the dentist early can make those trips to the dentist a little easier later in life.  

Every child is different and will get his or her teeth at a different rate.  Some babies get teeth as early as 3 or 4 months while others still don't have any teeth by their first birthday.  Talk to your pediatrician about your child's specific dental care needs.  Starting dental care early means your child is more likely to have continued good dental hygiene throughout his life.