EMERGENCy & NEW PATIENTS Welcome! - Wyomissing
Dental Care for Your Baby – Wyomissing, PA
Dental Care for Your Baby
Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! Are you prepared for when your baby's first tooth starts to come in? Follow these tips to ensure your son or daughter develops a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Caring for Gums
It is important to care for your baby's gums before their first tooth emerges. After feeding, gently clean your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze wrapped around your finger. This will help remove food particles and encourage good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
Baby's First Tooth
When your baby's first tooth comes in, it's time to start using a baby toothbrush. You can choose between a long-handled toothbrush for you and your baby to hold together, or a finger-puppet-like brush that fits over your fingertip. Both types have soft, gentle bristles.
You don't need toothpaste yet; just wet the brush with water before brushing. If your baby doesn't like the toothbrush at first, that's okay. You can go back to using a damp washcloth for a few months before trying the toothbrush again. While teething, your child may want to chew on different objects, so a baby toothbrush with a teether can be a good option during this time.
Brushing with Toothpaste
As your child's teeth start to come in, you can start using toothpaste on their brush. It is best to use fluoride-free toothpaste for the first two years, unless your dentist recommends otherwise, as too much fluoride can be harmful to young children. Remember to only use a small amount of toothpaste at this stage. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing right from the beginning. This will help them become accustomed to using fluoride toothpaste in the future, which should never be swallowed at any age.
Avoiding Cavities
Avoid giving your baby sweetened liquids like flavored drinks or soda. Even natural sugars in fruit juice, formula, and milk can lead to tooth decay. Remember to clean your baby's teeth and gums regularly. Also, don't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle as this can cause early childhood decay, known as baby-bottle caries.
First Visit to the Dentist
It is recommended to schedule a checkup for your baby around their first birthday to prevent tooth decay. The sooner they visit us, the greater the likelihood of avoiding dental problems. During this appointment, we will check for any early signs of oral health issues and offer advice on how to maintain their dental hygiene. Promoting a positive attitude towards dental visits can help your child feel more comfortable during checkups.
Setting a Good Example
Teach young children good oral hygiene habits by demonstrating how to brush and floss daily. Encourage them to join in by giving them their own toothbrush and making brushing fun with flavored toothpaste or character-themed brushes. Help them clean their teeth thoroughly until they are older, around six or seven years old. The goal is to establish healthy habits early on for a lifetime of healthy teeth.