Infant oral health
As a parent to a newborn, many things feel overwhelming. And it is okay to feel so… But there are certain things that you should always pay attention to. One such thing is your child's oral health.
Now you might wonder why a child who doesn’t have teeth needs oral care. What most people don’t understand is that good habits start early. Practising healthy habits can prevent or reduce tooth cavities in children.
Cavities in babies are often caused by feeding habits and bottles and for toddles due to poor oral hygiene. Smile habits can help prevent baby bottle tooth decay and keep your childs smile healthy.
Here is a easy guide for your to follow to make sure your child has good oral hygiene.
New-born–6 months of age:
- After feeding, always remember to clean your little one’s gum. Wrap a clean, damp washcloth around your finger and gently massage the gum tissues.
- By the age of 4 and 6 months, babies start teething. Cold temperatures can be soothing, thus giving your baby a chill teething ring, which can ease red and swollenness in their gums.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle in mouth.
6-12 months of age:
- Continue to clean your baby’s gum.
- By this time, your baby will get their first tooth. Thus, you need to start brushing those little teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush but without any toothpaste.
- Schedule your child's first dental appointment.
- If your drinking water is not fluoridated, talk to your paediatrician about infant fluoride supplements.
Apart from this do not forget to take your child to a dentist as soon as their first teeth erupts or once they turn one. To know more on kids oral health, visit our pediatric dentist in Mira road at Little Krishna Children’s Clinic.