How to care for your baby’s teeth?

You should start caring for your baby’s dental hygiene early. Let’s take a look at the fundamentals of dental care.

When can you start brushing your baby’s teeth?

You should be cleaning your baby’s mouth with a clean wet gauze every time after a meal before the age of 1. After 1 year old, babies usually start growing more teeth, and this is when you need to purchase an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles to brush your child’s teeth every morning and evening.

Be sure to get toothpaste without fluoride just in case your child swallows some of that toothpaste.

When can you start flossing your baby’s teeth?

Flossing is recommended as there will be remaining food particles stuck between teeth even after brushing them with a toothbrush. These food particles that remain can cause teeth to decay and ferment in the mouth, resulting in bad breath. All these can lead to gum inflammation, causing more dental complications. Thus, it’s important to instill the habit of flossing in your child once they can do so.

Are candies the culprit of cavities?

The real reason behind cavities is due to incomplete brushing and flossing of the teeth. The remaining food particles in the mouth is the main reason for tooth decay. However, sweet foods tend to attract bacteria more and thus, cause teeth to decay faster.

So, if you’re unable to have your child brush their teeth after every meal due to time constraints, try avoiding overly sweet foods to reduce the incidence of cavities.

Do you need to care for your child’s milk teeth though they are not permanent?

You should still care for your child’s milk teeth as the root of permanent teeth grows right under them. Poorly maintained milk teeth will have a toll on the gums surrounding them, thus impeding the growth and development of permanent teeth.

It’s important to establish good oral care habits early in life to ensure that your child has a healthy smile for years to come.