Oral Health for Early Childhood

Whether or not your child is talking yet, there are a few things his or her mouth has to say. A common and dangerous mistake among parents is ignoring the importance of baby teeth just because they are not permanent. Baby teeth reserve space for developing grown-up teeth and help children speak and chew. Tooth decay and infection also can result in the child having difficulty eating, speaking, playing or learning. The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) urges parents to consider the following tips for helping children establish good dental habits from the start.

Daily Care: Good oral hygiene should begin at birth. Before teeth erupt, clean baby's gums with a damp washcloth. When teeth begin to appear, use a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush with water. Once the child is able to spit, use a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Children need help brushing correctly until they can write in cursive.

First Dental Visit: You should schedule your child's first dentist visit around the first birthday. Baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they are in the mouth. A dentist can answer any questions parents have and catch potential problems early. Commonly, baby teeth begin to come in around six months of age, with the front four teeth erupting first. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age three. These teeth usually will begin to loosen and fall out at age 6 or 7 to make room for permanent teeth; however, sometimes baby teeth fall out up to a year or two earlier or later.

Drinks and Nutrition: Formula and milk are good for baby, right? Right. But they do contain sugar that can cause tooth decay if it sits on teeth for an extended period of time. Clean teeth and gums after bedtime feedings, and never leave a bottle or sip cup in the crib. Limit milk to meal times and only offer 4-6 ounces of juice per day after a baby is 1 year old; water should be offered between meals. When it comes to food, provide nutritious choices to build strong teeth from the inside.

Mom & Dad's Oral Health: Did you know tooth decay can be infectious? Parents with poor oral health can pass bacteria from their own saliva to their babies through activities like sharing spoons or blowing on hot food. The most vulnerable time for infection is between six and 31 months. So an important part of taking care of baby's teeth is to take care of your own.