Your baby will need to have a daily oral cleaning, even before their teeth erupt. We recommend using a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums and remove any lingering formula or milk. Your baby’s teeth will begin to erupt through the gumline at about 6 months old. As soon as teeth begin to erupt, you should begin gently cleaning them using a soft-bristle baby toothbrush. For children under the age of 2, use a tiny smear of child-safe toothpaste. After age 2, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste will be enough to clean their teeth. You should help your child clean their teeth at least twice a day — you will need to brush and floss for them until about age 7. After this age, their motor skills will have developed enough that they can brush and floss on their own.

Here are a few tips on caring for your child’s teeth as they begin to come in:

• Avoid giving them bottles filled with juice or other sweetened liquids when they go to bed. This will help reduce their risk of tooth decay.
• If your child insists on having a bottle at night, fill it only with water.
• If your baby’s mouth becomes sore during teething, you can provide them with a chilled teething ring and gently wipe their gums with a cold washcloth to help them feel more comfortable.
• Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist when your child’s teeth begin to erupt. Pediatric dentists receive special training in caring for infants and young children and will be able to offer specific guidance to meet their needs.

Please feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s early oral care or to make an appointment with our pediatric dentists.