Babies and Oral Hygiene

Studio City, California

It may seem silly to think about oral hygiene for babies, but there are actually steps parents can make during a baby's first months and years to help promote a healthy mouth. At Smiles by Sands family dentistry, we typically provide dental care for children age 3 and older; however, because we provide care for the entire family, we enjoy watching our patient families grow and are happy to educate new parents on the proper ways to clean infant and toddler teeth and gums.

Infant Oral Hygiene

One of the first dental hygiene steps new parents can take is to clean their infant's gums after a feeding. Whether breastfeed or bottle fed, a gentle wipe of the infant's gums with a wet cloth after mealtime will help remove harmful bacteria. Performing this soothing massaging action when the infant is teething will most likely be a welcomed part of the mealtime routine.

Baby's First Tooth

When the baby's first tooth is visible, it is time to begin brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Parents can choose to simply brush with water or use training toothpaste that does not have fluoride. Swallowing too much fluoride can be harmful to the development of tooth enamel later in life, leading to a condition called fluorosis. Continuing to clean the gums should also remain a priority during these teeth-growing months and years.

Pacifiers, Bottles and Dental Health

We understand that pacifiers can help make life a little easier and quieter when there is an infant in the house. However, extended use of pacifiers can affect how the front teeth develop over time, so we recommend putting a halt to this habit as quickly as possible. Thumb sucking can have the same dental affect, although it is sometimes more difficult to break this habit.

We also understand that babies love bottles. While giving an infant a bottle at mealtime is fine, we strongly encourage parents to avoid giving babies bottles at bedtime. Babies who have prolonged exposure to a bottle filled with milk or juice are at greater risk for developing cavities due to the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. If your baby needs a bottle at bedtime to fall asleep, fill it with water instead of milk or juice.

If you have a new baby at home and want to take proactive steps toward his or her good oral hygiene, please contact the family dentists at Smiles by Sands in Studio City, California. Our staff can arm you with the tools you need to help your baby grow a beautiful set of teeth.