Tips for infants and young children
Even before your baby’s teeth show, you should clean the gums with a damp cloth after meals and at bedtime. Your dentist can show you how.
Baby teeth are important and once teeth show, you should clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (without toothpaste) after meals and at bedtime.
It is good to wean your child from pacifiers and the bottle between 9 and 12 months of age.
- Offer a blanket or favorite toy
- Give baby a warm bath
- Rock baby to sleep
- As a last resort, allow WATER ONLY in the bottle
Starting regular dental care as soon as possible is good for your child’s health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have a dental home and their first check-up with the dentist by age one when possible.
A dental home is a dentist your child sees regularly every six months for check-ups. This dentist will take care of your child by providing the dental services he or she needs and always being available to care for your child. So don’t wait! Find a dentist near you today and establish a dental home for your child.
Remember a dental home provides your child:
- Complete dental care and a dental plan designed for your child
- Guidance about growth and diet
- How to correctly care for your child’s teeth
