Caring for Baby Teeth is Important
Your baby’s gums and teeth are important to their health. Babies have about 20 teeth forming underneath their gums. Your dentist can show you how to clean your baby’s gums to keep these growing teeth healthy.
Your Baby Should Visit the Dentist When They Get Their First Tooth, or Before Their First Birthday.
- Strong and healthy baby teeth can help your child chew and speak
- Tooth decay (cavities) can begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears
- Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to a higher risk of decay in their adult teeth
A healthy baby smile will become a healthy adult smile!
Fluoride Treatments for Children’s Teeth
Your dentist may recommend a fluoride varnish for your child’s teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that makes the outside of the tooth strong. A fluoride varnish treatment can prevent tooth decay or stop decay from getting worse. It is a sticky liquid that is brushed onto your child’s teeth by the dentist. Fluoride varnish is very safe, it does not hurt or taste bad, and it can be brushed off.
How to Care for Little Mouths
- Do not put sugary drinks like soda or juice in your baby’s bottle.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle overnight or during naps. If you do, fill the bottle with just water, not milk or juice.
- Start brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day when they get their first tooth.
- Avoid giving your child sugary foods, like soda and candy.
- Help your young child to brush their teeth twice a day.
- Practice brushing with your child every day until they are old enough to brush on their own (around age 7)
- If your child’s teeth are not all the same white color, make an appointment with a dentist.
Check out this parent's guide for pediatric dental patients.
Call your HealthPoint Clinic Today to Make an Appointment for Your Child’s Dental Check.
Clinical review by Jennifer Alexander, DDS. HealthPoint Regional Director for Clinical Care.
Reviewed October 28, 2019
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics healthychildren.org
This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please talk to your doctor with any questions about your health.
