When Babies Get Cavities – Part Two

How can you prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Firstly, place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks. Before going to bed or to nap, infants should finish their bottles first. Use a pacifier that is clean, not dipped in sugar or honey. After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.

Train your child by letting him/her get accustomed to toothbrushing.

When their first teeth come in, brush them gently with a small toothbrush and a grain of rice sized amount of toothpaste, with fluoride, until the age of 3. From the ages of 3 to 6, brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing until your child knows how to spit and not swallow toothpaste, usually not before 6 or 7. Go for healthy eating choices, timing and frequency. Finally, do not share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers.

Your child’s baby teeth are important and are still susceptible to cavities. Start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for the future. Schedule your child’s first dental visit on his first tooth appearance. Consider it like a well-baby check up.

Starting Early with Baby’s Teeth in Lynnwood

Remember that the key to a healthy, happy smile that will last a long, long time, is to start your child early in good eating habits and choices, routine oral hygiene practices, and regular check ups.

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