We all know that oral health and proper tooth care are important, and we invite you to bring your child to our dentist when they are about one year old so we can help. But did you know that there are things you can do to care for your child’s smile even when they are an infant? In fact, you should begin caring for a child’s mouth before their tooth even erupts.

Before Their First ToothBefore your little one’s first tooth erupts, we recommend that you clean your baby’s gums and mouth with a soft cloth and an infant toothbrush. You don’t need to use any toothpaste yet, just wipe gently. Not only does this clean your baby’s mouth, but it helps prepare your child for future cleanings.

Brushing Little TeethOnce your child’s first tooth emerges, we recommend that you start brushing his or her teeth right away with a toothbrush designed for use with young children. You should brush your child’s tooth at least twice a day.

We advise that you not use toothpaste with fluoride until your child is at least two years old. At two years of age, put a pea-sized dot of toothpaste. You should help your child put this amount of toothpaste on their brush to ensure that they do not swallow excessive fluoride.

Preventing DecayThere are several habits that can cause tooth decay in your child. For example, if your baby takes a pacifier, you may find yourself dipping it into something sweet. However, this habit tends to lead to serious tooth decay. Similarly, if a baby needs a bottle to sleep, we recommend that you fill it with water. Milk, formula, juices, and other sugary drinks also lead to decay if a tooth is exposed for extended periods of time.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to learn more about how you can care for your child’s oral health.