From learning how to crawl to uttering their first words, babies experience many developmental milestones during the first year of life. Among these exciting changes, newborns develop teeth that will help them chew and smile as they grow older. During this process, parents must take steps to help protect their little one’s mouth, even if teeth aren’t yet present. To help you care for your newborn, here are a few infant oral health tips to keep in mind.

How to Protect Infant Oral Health

1. Assist With Oral Hygiene

Whether your child is consuming breast milk or baby food, keep their mouth clean to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If your child doesn’t yet have teeth, gently wipe their gums using a soft, wet towel. Once teeth emerge, use an infant-size toothbrush with a pea-size amount of kid-friendly toothpaste to brush their mouth clean.

2. Keep Bottles Out of the Bed

Bottles are an essential tool for feeding babies the breast milk or formula they need to grow and stay healthy. However, these substances contain sugars that can promote tooth decay and gum disease if left in the mouth for too long. When left with bottles in their cribs, babies are more likely to suck on them overnight and increase exposure to harmful sugars. If your child needs a bottle for soothing, provide them with water or a pacifier instead.

3. Choose Nutritious Foods

When your little one is ready to start eating food, choose items that contain nutrients to support infant oral health. For example, pureed spinach baby food can provide your child with a healthy dose of calcium and folic acid, two components that build strong teeth. If appropriate for your baby’s age, cheese, yogurt, carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes are other tooth-friendly options to consider.  

4. Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Although your child may not yet have a full smile, schedule a checkup with a pediatric dentist by 6 months after their first tooth erupts or they reach their first birthday, whichever comes first. During this visit, your provider will check for oral health problems, assess your child’s tooth development, and offer tips on how to safely maintain oral hygiene.

When it’s time for your baby to begin professional dental care, bring them to Pedodontic Associates. Serving children of all ages on Oahu and Maui for over 25 years, this pediatric dentist makes caring for infant oral health a stress-free and convenient process for new parents. Visit this children’s dentist online to learn more about their gentle, comprehensive approach to care. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 to reach the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, and (808) 877-006 for Kahului.