Newborn Dental Care

Taking care of your baby’s dental health starts WAY BEFORE the first teeth break through those sweet little gums.

Did you know, a baby’s primary teeth are all present in the jaw at birth? They usually start breaking through the gums by 4 to 6 months of age. Most babies have all 20 of their primary teeth out by age 3.

Just because those pearly whites are brand new, they are not resistant to decay. In fact, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. It is also one of the most preventable. Cavities and decay in kids often comes from frequent and extended exposure to sugary drinks.

Tips to Help Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Newborn:

Never put your baby in the crib with a bottle, even if it’s breast milk or formula. If baby falls asleep with the bottle in his/her mouth, the contents of the bottle just pool in the mouth and allow bacteria to start forming cavities.
Only fill baby’s bottles with breast milk, formula, milk or plain water. No juices, soft drinks or even flavored water.
Avoid sharing saliva with baby (resist the temptation to use the same spoon or clean a pacifier with your mouth). The bacteria that has been building up in your mouth over the past few decades could be transferred to your sweet baby’s new little mouth.
Gently clean your baby’s teeth with a damp cloth during the first 6 months after feedings, and be sure to regularly clean any teething rings!

When and How Do You Take Care of Your Baby’s Teeth?

Newborn: Wipe gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding starting the first week of birth.

Toddler: Once teeth start erupting, brush the teeth gently with a child size toothbrush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste the size of about a grain of rice.

Age 3-6: Brush teeth 2x a day with more toothpaste, about the size of a pea, ensure they know how to spit out the toothpaste.

*Flossing: Once there are two teeth that are touching each other, start teaching them how to floss. Monitor them until they can consistently show you they have it down.

We love taking care of little teeth! It is recommended to bring little ones into the dentist for their first visit when they are 1 years old or 6 months after their first tooth comes in. Dr. Bryant and the rest of the awesome team at South Shore Dental in Sloan’s Lake will make you and baby comfortable from day one and help keep those smiles bright all along the way. Call today!

Newborn Dental Care

Tips to Help Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Newborn:

Never put your baby in the crib with a bottle, even if it’s breast milk or formula. If baby falls asleep with the bottle in his/her mouth, the contents of the bottle just pool in the mouth and allow bacteria to start forming cavities.

Only fill baby’s bottles with breast milk, formula, milk or plain water. No juices, soft drinks or even flavored water.

Avoid sharing saliva with baby (resist the temptation to use the same spoon or clean a pacifier with your mouth). The bacteria that has been building up in your mouth over the past few decades could be transferred to your sweet baby’s new little mouth.

Gently clean your baby’s teeth with a damp cloth during the first 6 months after feedings, and be sure to regularly clean any teething rings!

When and How Do You Take Care of Your Baby’s Teeth?

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