There’s nothing more precious than a baby’s smile. Even before their first tooth comes in, their smile can light up a room. Keeping your child’s mouth healthy is very important in these early stages. Gums are an important part of oral health, making sure you clean your infant’s gums can help wash bacteria away that can affect their baby teeth that will eventually come in. You can clean them by taking a washcloth with water and wiping them down 1-2 times per day. It is important this be done after feeding and before bedtime. As soon as that first tooth emerges, you may begin brushing it. Make sure to use a toothbrush with a soft brush and small head to avoid being too abrasive on their gums. Starting with just a wet toothbrush is fine, but once more teeth come in, you can start adding in toothpaste to the routine. Experts recommend using a small amount, about the size of a grain of rice, of toothpaste when initially introducing it. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that your child should have had their first dentist appointment when they get that first tooth or by the time they turn one year old; whichever comes first. Your child will be checked by their dentist for signs of decay and also advise on proper tooth care. It is important to take care of your child’s baby teeth to ensure their mouths are healthy when their adult teeth begin to come through. Westerville Pediatric Dental is committed to providing children excellent oral health care. We practice a family-oriented approach, making certain each child has a fun, positive dental visit that they will want to repeat.
