Many parents make the mistake of waiting until their baby’s first tooth appears to begin practicing good oral hygiene with their children. However, issues with the mouth can start to manifest as soon as a baby is born. Gum health is essential, which is why you should begin to maintaining them and looking out for issues right away. You’ll promote a healthy mouth and establish a solid foundation for their teeth to come in. Connect with a pediatric dentist and use the following gum care tips to keep your baby happy and healthy.

Gum Care Tips for Babies

1. Provide a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial to keeping gums healthy and promote active oral development. Stay away from sugary and acidic foods. Instead, serve mashed and pediatric options that include carrots, apples, cheese, and leafy greens to your baby. These contain nutrients like vitamins C, K, A, as well as calcium and potassium. Each of these contributes to gum health by nourishing the mouth and preventing the buildup of bacteria.

2. Clean Them

If food sits in the pockets around your baby’s gums or on them, it can lead to inflammation, abrasions, and other oral hygiene problems. Always clean their gums after feeding. Wash your hands and wrap a clean, moist washcloth around your index finger. Carefully massage your baby’s gums and wipe food away. This is an excellent practice for when teething begins and can often provide relief when the gums become inflamed and irritated.

3. Prevent Baby Bottle Decay

Baby bottle decay can create several problems. It happens when sugary liquids are left in your child’s mouth, such as when they fall asleep with a bottle in. Make sure your child never goes to sleep with a bottle. Establishing this routine early will also help prevent thumb-sucking habits, which can lead to alignment issues down the road. Restrict feeding to outside of the crib, and schedule it for times when you know you will be able to clean your baby’s gums afterward.

If it’s time for your baby’s first visit to the pediatric dentist, contact La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry. This oral hygiene practice is led by Dr. Jon Hanks and has proudly served La Crosse, WI, residents for decades. They offer a variety of services ranging from general care to tooth filling and sealants, and their staff takes every step to help children feel comfortable. They want your visits to the dentist to be something your child looks forward to and not something they dread! Call (608) 782-4054 to schedule an exam and visit their website to learn more about the practice.