Caring for your baby’s gums before teeth appear is an integral part of establishing a good oral hygiene routine and promoting the health of their mouth. Even though your baby may not yet have teeth, their gums are still susceptible to bacterial growth, and can benefit from early care.
Healthy gums are important for everyone, even babies! Keep reading to learn more about caring for your baby’s gums and why it’s important to maintain healthy gums before their teeth appear.
While babies don’t have teeth at birth, their gums play a crucial role in their oral health and development. Healthy gums encourage teething and support jaw development by stimulating jaw muscles through sucking and chewing, motions which are vital to proper bone growth.
Moreover, healthy gums can help prevent common oral issues like gum disease and infections that could affect the development of your baby’s teeth. Caring for their gums early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Here are some of the things you can do to care for your baby’s gums:
It’s essential to clean your baby’s gums daily to remove harmful bacteria. This helps keep their mouth clean and also promotes healthy tooth growth once they start to emerge.
To clean their gums, use a damp washcloth or piece of clean gauze wrapped around your finger to gently, but thoroughly, rub their gums. You should clean your baby’s gums once or twice a day, especially after feedings.
Even if no teeth have erupted, you can introduce a baby-friendly toothbrush designed for gentle gum cleaning. These brushes have small, soft bristles that can clean and massage your baby’s gums.
When using a baby toothbrush, you should focus on brushing along the gum line and the roof of the mouth. Using a toothbrush when they are very young helps your baby get used to the sensation of brushing.
Massaging your baby’s gums can also promote circulation, which is helpful for the growth and eruption of their teeth. Additionally, gently massaging your baby’s gums can be soothing if they are teething or experiencing gum discomfort.
To massage your baby’s gums, gently place a clean finger inside their mouth and massage in a circular motion. Be sure to apply gentle pressure, but do not press too hard.
Once they start drinking liquids other than breast milk or baby formula, avoid sugary drinks, especially juice. Even juices that contain only natural sugars can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and increase the risk of tooth and gum issues in babies.
Plain water is the best beverage for babies. It boosts hydration and washes away any bacteria that may have collected on the gums.
Breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients but also plays an important role in your baby’s oral health. The natural sucking action during breastfeeding promotes healthy gum, tooth and jaw development, increases saliva to wash away bacteria, and encourages proper palate formation and tongue positioning.
If your child is drinking milk out of a baby bottle, be sure that you brush your child’s teeth before they go to sleep. You never want to leave milk in a child’s mouth to sleep. The sugars found in both breast milk and formula can pool around your baby’s gums and teeth to encourage the growth of bacteria.
Most babies start to teethe when they are between 4 and 7 months. During this time, your baby may drool more, act fussy, and show signs of oral discomfort.
You can help your baby get through the teething stage by providing relief to sore gums. Teething rings or toys and cool, clean cloths can help soothe them as their first teeth emerge.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, but it’s never too early to introduce your baby to visits to the dentist. Establishing good dental habits early can help ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Pediatric dentists can offer tips for keeping your baby’s gums healthy, ensure there are no concerns about their oral development, and check for signs of other dental issues. They can also be an invaluable resource for advice on managing the teething stage.
Even if no teeth have emerged, caring for your baby’s gums is essential for maintaining their oral health.
Is it time for your child to have a dental cleaning? Schedule an appointment at Premier Pediatric Dentistry in Miami, FL, today!
