If your little one is starting to have those first little teeth sprout through their gums, it is important for you to know exactly how to take care of their oral health. After all, their tiny little teeth and gums need just as much care and hygiene as yours.
It is never too early to begin a good oral health routine with them. While you may think that baby teeth are less important because they will only fall out, this could not be further from the truth.
There are many reasons why taking care of their mouth is vital to their health. After all these baby teeth are essentially placeholders for the permanent teeth that are sure to follow.
Decay can occur even in these early stages, and if they are not cared for properly, the permanent enamel can become negatively affected as well. This could mean lots of expense in the area of orthodontics down the line.
Your baby will be able to speak much more clearly and correctly when their mouths are properly cared for. They will also help your child to have a better sense of self-confidence as they grow up.
Just like adults, little ones can be teased about decay and discoloration of their enamel just as much, if not worse. These are critical little tools for your baby and child to be able to bite and chew their food.
If they cannot eat and chew comfortable and easily, they will not get the nutrition that they need to be able to grow normally. Most pediatricians and dentists agree that it is best to start cleaning your baby's mouth even before the first little buds start to peek through the gums.
In fact, as crazy as it sounds, a few days after birth is not too early to begin gently cleaning their mouths. The gums and first teeth can be cleaned with a wet cloth, gauze pad, or infant toothbrush as they get a little older.
While a toothbrush is not necessary, it can help your little one get in the habit of brushing early on. If you want to use toothpaste, be sure that it is toothpaste designed specifically for infants.
Infant toothpaste is fluoride free, and can be swallowed safely without any consequences. Since they are not use to spitting toothpaste out and will have a tendency to swallow, this could lead to an overdose of fluoride, if adult toothpaste is used-this can be dangerous.
When brushing, you want to be soft and gentle. Their mouths are very soft and delicate, so vigorous brushing is not necessary.
Brush their tongue as well, since it can also carry germs. You will want to talk to your dentist about tips and tricks that they may have to keep your little one happy and entertained while you help them.
While it is ideal to brush after every meal, it is not always practical in the case of little ones. You should at least try to get into a routine where there is a morning and evening cleaning, around meal time.
The most important time is just before they go to bed. Since the production of saliva decreases during sleep, you will want to make sure they have a clean mouth before sleep.
This will prevent bacteria and plaque from lying on and decaying during the night. After a few years, they will be able to clean their mouths by themselves, if you teach them properly.
When it comes to a newborn, milk and juice can have a very negative effect when given in a bottle at bedtime.
This decay from milk and juice is often called bottle mouth. When they fall asleep, the production of saliva decreases significantly.
If they are given milk, juice, or other sugary liquid and then put to bed without brushing, the sugar in these liquids along with the bacteria that is naturally present join together to form an acid, which starts attacking and decaying the surrounding areas.
It is best to get into a routine early, and not let your little one fall asleep in the crib with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sugary liquid. The earlier you start helping them, the better-they will grow healthier and stronger if you do.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels has been involved with dental research for 15 years and has been published in several scientific journals for his findings on orthodontic practices. He now resides in Florida and recommends this Orlando Dentist.
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