Tips to Prevent Cavities in Infants

Parents always want the best for their babies. When it comes to oral health, cavities are the most common issue for children. Luckily there are things moms and dads can do to help prevent cavities, starting very early in an infant’s life.

In fact, your child's oral care starts even before he or she is born! The best thing a pregnant mom can do for her child's teeth is to take care of her own. Continuing with routine dental care is a safe and effective way to protect your baby’s future oral health. 

Infant Oral Health

Once born, protecting your baby's teeth and gums should become a regular routine. Cavities occur when a certain type of bacteria in the mouth builds up, causing the tooth to decay. You can remove this harmful bacteria by gently wiping your baby's gums after feedings. 

Many parents lick or suck their baby’s pacifier in their own mouths when it is dropped in an effort to clean it off before putting it back in baby’s mouth. However, this increases the risk of transferring cavity-causing bacteria from mom or dad’s mouth to the baby's. Rinsing it off with water is a better way to protect the baby’s new teeth, even before they appear.

The First Teeth

You should continue to wipe your baby's gums after meals. Once his or her first tooth appears, you can use a very small amount — the size of a grain of rice — of baby toothpaste and a soft baby toothbrush on the new teeth to get your little one used to brushing. Gentle flossing is great, too!

If your baby is old enough to hold a bottle, resist the urge to allow him or her to take a bottle to bed. Whether the bottle contains formula or breast milk, the liquid will be left sitting on your baby's teeth all night. This promotes bacterial growth that can result in cavities. You also should avoid giving your young child sugary drinks, and only offer juice in a sippy cup occasionally.

Once teeth appear, your baby should see a pediatric dentist. Call today to schedule your baby’s first appointment and let us help you make sure his or her teeth stay cavity free!