Derek M. Busciglio, D.M.D. runs Busciglio Orthodontics, bringing beautiful, confident smiles throughout the Brandon, Florida, and Plant City, Florida areas. Here he discusses why it’s never too early to start caring for your children’s teeth and gums, and why it’s a good idea to visit the dentist when the first tooth appears.
All parents want the best of everything for their little ones, including healthy teeth and gums. It’s important to avoid early childhood decay, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar, including milk and breast milk, formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.
To keep your baby’s teeth healthy, experts also suggest the following:
- Being brushing when the first baby tooth erupts.
- Begin flossing as soon as your baby has two teeth next to each other.
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula or sweetened liquid including fruit juice, water or sweetened juice.
- If your child needs a pacifier, use one recommended by your dentist or a physician.
- If you water supply does not contain fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay, ask your dentist for fluoride supplements.
- Visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually at six months to one year.
Preventative Medicine
Many parents wonder why it is necessary to visit a dentist early, before a child has any obvious tooth problems. But early examinations and preventative care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist when the first tooth appears.
Cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear is also important, which can mean using a soft cloth to gently rub the gums, and purchasing a special baby toothbrush once the first tooth comes in.
Remember also that smoking and drinking alcohol to excess during pregnancy can actually effect your unborn baby’s teeth. Babies of moms who smoke or drink too much alcohol can be born underweight, and being of low birthweight can affect a child’s teeth as the enamel will not have form properly. This can even affect your child’s adult teeth, as they are being formed in the jaw before birth.
Pregnant women should also keep in mind that a diet rich in calcium and dairy foods, such as cheese, milk and yogurt, is also important for your baby’s developiong teeth. Breastfeeding is also considered best for your baby’s teeth, although it is now generally accepted that babies can start solid foods from around six months of age.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
