What You Should Know About Baby Oral Hygiene

Giving your child a healthy start when it comes to oral hygiene can lead to a lifetime of great teeth. But with so much going on for parents, brushing their baby’s teeth is often not on the radar, especially because many people assume it doesn’t matter as much – the teeth will fall out soon enough. Yet paediatric dentists point to a variety of important reasons why healthy teeth and gums should be a priority for parents. In fact, cavities in baby teeth, known as ‘early childhood caries’ or ECC, is the single most common chronic disease for young children. And for the most part it’s preventable.

Beyond simply preventing ECC, oral hygiene is also important for babies so that their teeth don’t develop improperly. Teeth are essential for both eating and learning to speak, so early decay or removal can cause a host of developmental problems. It can also be very painful for babies. Baby teeth are also important in order to maintain the gaps that adult teeth will grow into. So when baby teeth have to be removed early or experience significant decay, it can lead to orthodontic work down the road.

Caring for your baby’s teeth

Between when your baby’s first tooth comes in and one year of age, most dentists recommend having the first dental appointment. This is when your dentist can give you any specific advice about your baby’s teeth and help you give him or her a head start with their oral hygiene. Generally this will be with a family dentist, who can refer you to a paediatric dentist if there are any special needs.

Even before teeth begin to grow out, parents should once a day wipe their baby’s gums with a moist cloth to maintain a clean mouth. Once the first tooth comes in (generally around six months), brushing should start. It’s important to always use a toothbrush designed for babies that has very soft and rounded bristles. For the first 18 months or so you can either simply brush with water or a low-fluoridated toothpaste that is designed specifically for babies. Use gentle circular movements to brush, and be particularly gentle with the gums while your baby’s teeth are growing in, as they will be very tender.

Babies often have difficulty spitting toothpaste out, which is why it’s important not to use too much and to use a baby suitable toothpaste. If your baby simply can’t spit out the toothpaste, you can wipe their mouth after brushing. Eventually they will learn.

Importantly, always store toothpaste out of your baby’s reach. Some babies really enjoy the taste of toothpaste, so you want to make sure they don’t ingest it.

Healthy habits for life

Beyond cavities and tooth development, the fundamental reason why it’s important to brush your baby’s teeth daily to build habits which will last a lifetime. By making it a priority from the start, you will give your child the best opportunity to build the habit down the road. At about the age of three, you can begin to brush their teeth twice a day.

It’s also important to realise that your baby’s teeth are affected by the food they consume. Certain less healthy foods are categorised as cariogenic, which means they promote tooth decay. It’s just another reason why a healthy diet from the start is always best for your child.

At what age did you (or do you plan to) first take your baby to the dentist?

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