Over the last several months, the team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry has compiled the most asked questions about baby dental care. We have answered these in different blogs, but we are now compiling them into one big ‘baby guide’. If you are a new parent, or you just have questions about when a baby should see a dentist or what types of bottles to use – you are in the right spot!
Scheduling Their First Appointment
Many parents come to us after their baby has turned one with worries that they have come too early. In reality, we love seeing babies for their first appointment by their first birthday or as soon as their teeth start erupting through the gums. Not only does scheduling the first appointment by age one help them become comfortable with our dental care team, but it helps give our dentists a baseline of their oral development so we can spot issues quicker as they grow.
Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
Don’t worry, baby teeth aren’t as soft and fragile as you might think. As long as you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they have one! No, you don’t need to go overboard with brushing after every meal, but establishing this routine will help them as they grow. The best habits start early! You can help them become comfortable with the toothbrush by brushing your own teeth in front of them, singing toothbrush songs, or dancing in front of them while you do your dental routine. It may sound silly, but it will promote positive feelings about their own brushing and the dentist.
Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups
There are many products on the market for your baby – this includes baby bottles that are created to help colicky babies or overly gassy babies. At a certain point, though, these baby bottles and sippy cups can cause a lot of damage to their dental development. By age one, your baby should be weaned off of all baby bottles and sippy cups. We know it can seem daunting, but helping your baby learn to drink from normal cups is the best way to help their teeth. Using bottles can push teeth too far forward or promote bacteria which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Read more about this in our blog.
Juice and Your Baby’s Teeth
In general, juice is full of sugars and unhealthy ingredients that can negatively impact your baby’s health. In terms of their dental health, avoiding sugary drinks and juices will help protect their teeth from cavities and decay. Sometimes, juice is needed for constipation or for other health issues (such as rehydrating with electrolytes). It is important to talk with your pediatrician to know which type of juice (and how much) your baby can drink. To lessen the sugar, you can cut the juice with water. You can learn more about babies and juice here.
Chat with Us About Your Baby Today
You may still have questions about your baby and your dental health, especially if you are a new parent or you have not scheduled your baby for their first appointment. Don’t worry! Our team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry is excited to care for your little one and put your fears at ease. Schedule an appointment today and let’s chat about your baby and their teeth!