Dental Care for Your Baby

Caring for Baby's First Tooth

When your baby's first tooth appears, it is a milestone moment! Now, it's time to begin using a toothbrush to clean their teeth. Baby toothbrushes come in a few different options: a long-handled brush similar to an adult toothbrush or a brush that fits over the parent's finger. In either case, brushes for babies should have a few, soft bristles. When brushing at this stage, you won't need to use toothpaste – simply dip the brush in water.

We understand that there can be a lot of questions at this stage, so please reach out to us should you have any concerns.

When to use Toothpaste

There is no exact rule about when to begin using toothpaste. Typically, though, after a few more teeth appear, you can begin introducing toothpaste to your baby's oral care routine. For the first two years, it's important to use a non-fluoride toothpaste, unless your dentist has told you otherwise. You only need a small amount of toothpaste and, even early on, you can help your child learn to spit toothpaste out when they're finished brushing so they are prepared when it's time to switch to fluoride toothpaste.

Gum Health

Before your child gets their first tooth, you can start taking care of their gums. After a feeing, babies can benefit from having their gums carefully cleaned. Wrap your finger in clean, damp washcloth – you can also use a piece of gauze – and very gently rub it across baby's gums. It's helps clean the gums as well as get both you and baby forming healthy oral care habits at a very early age.

Avoiding Cavities

We know that sugar causes cavities. You can help avoid cavities by not giving your child sugary foods or drinks. However, breast milk, some formula, and other food thats your child may have contain sugar too. It's important to develop healthy oral care habits, cleaning their teeth regularly. Avoid allowing your child to go to bed with a bottle as well since the prolonged exposure to these sugars can put your child at further risk of tooth decay.

First Visit to the Dentist

Usually, your child will come in for their first checkup around their first birthday. However, if your child's teeth appear earlier, you can schedule an appointment for about six months after their first tooth appears. Even at early ages, you can help your child by being positive about upcoming dental visits.

We can help provide your child with a lifetime of smiles.