There’s a lot going on when you bring home a newborn baby, and thinking about oral care is probably one of the last things on your mind right now. Their first tooth will be showing up before you know it, however, and it is never too early to begin a regimen of good oral hygiene.
Though there may be no teeth showing yet, bacteria can still build up in the mouth, so it is a good idea to clean the gums with some gauze or a baby wash cloth after each feeding. This will get baby accustomed to the routine of cleaning the mouth so that it will be something that is a habit they have for life, rather than a chore.
When that first tooth erupts, you might want to switch to using a baby toothbrush. Make sure to brush your baby’s teeth at least twice a day, just as you do your own. If you want to use toothpaste, make sure that you use one that is approved for baby use and that it does not contain fluoride. Because babies are unable to rinse and spit out the paste, anything use for them must be safe to be swallowed.
During this exciting time in baby’s life, you will want to start thinking about their first visit to see the Dentist in Hoover Alabama. Even though the teeth coming in are only temporary, they can still get cavities, and keeping those baby teeth healthy will help make sure that the permanent teeth that will be coming along in a few years will be healthy and strong.
Visiting the dentist for the first time can be scary for a young child, but the experience will be made easier when you go to an experienced pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have all the training of a regular dentist, but also receive special training in how to best treat their young patients’ special needs.
Dr. Michael S. Anglin will help your baby grow up with healthy teeth that will last a lifetime. Many people think that it is inevitable that we will lose our natural teeth one day, but with proper care, they really can last for an entire lifetime, and the first step is teaching our children good habits.
