Proper home care for your baby's teeth

Despite the fact that baby teeth come and go, they make place for the adult teeth and add to your child's self-esteem. That’s why it’s very important to maintain proper oral hygiene, because even baby teeth can have cavities. Baby teeth are far from being resistant, enamel layer can easily be destroyed by acid, so they are prone to erosion and cavities.

Are baby's teeth that important?

Houston pediatric dentist, Dr. Linh Luu believes that baby teeth play a major role in the overall development of a child because they save space for the adult teeth, guiding them into place, develop the jawbones and at the same time, aid in the development of child's clear speech. Good oral hygiene allows the baby teeth to develop in a correct manner and be more resistant against infection or decay.

What needs to be done as the child grows?

From the time your baby is born you can start caring for your baby's oral health. After feeding the child you may wrap a finger with a damp, clean washcloth, lift the child's lip and clean across the gums. This will remove the food fragments and start forming a good practice of oral daily care. 

When the first teeth appear you may clean them with a smear of fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.

When your child reaches three years of age, you can teach them how to brush properly, as this is the only way to make sure that they will be able to take care of their teeth as time passes.

In addition to brushing regularly remember to include fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet.  Sometimes fluoride supplements might be needed, but talk with a doctor beforehand.

It’s important to make sure that your child learns to brush his/her teeth after every meal, as this is the best way to protect them against bacteria, plaque or any other issue. Meanwhile, make sure you teach your child how he/she can rinse the mouth to avoid swallowing toothpaste.

When should be the first dental visit?

The first dental visit needs to be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.  This visit will ensure that your child’s teeth are growing the right way and overall oral health is good. At Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a free dental checkup prior to your child’s first birthday. So go ahead and schedule your consultation and get the peace of mind in knowing that your child’s dental health is in good hands.