Since baby teeth are already inside an infant’s jaws at birth, pediatric dentists recommend starting teeth and gum care even before a baby’s first tooth comes in. For this reason, they encourage parents to prioritize their child’s oral health by practicing healthy habits and scheduling infant dental exams in Coral Gables. We’ve pulled together the basics of oral care for baby teeth and gums to help you keep your little one’s smile healthy and beautiful.
After each feeding, cradle your baby with one arm and grab a clean washcloth with your free hand. Wrap the moistened cloth around your index finger and use it to massage your baby’s gums gently.
Baby bottle syndrome is a disease that commonly affects children’s front teeth or incisors between birth and six years of age. Moreover, it results from prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to milk or sugary liquids. You can protect your child against baby bottle syndrome by not putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or allowing them to feed at will.
Most babies between four and six months of age begin experiencing teething symptoms such as red, tender, and swollen gums. Since cold temperatures are soothing, you can ease these symptoms by giving your baby a chilled teething ring or cold washcloth.
You can reduce your chances of “baby bottle decay” by not testing the temperature of the baby bottle in your mouth. Furthermore, avoid sharing eating utensils or cleaning bottle nipples and pacifiers by putting them in your mouth.
At Premier Pediatric Dentistry, we’re committed to providing your child with a smile they’ll love well into the future. Contact us today to make an appointment.
