How to care for your infant’s oral health according to the experts
Photo by Dr. Wrench from Pixabay
Your child’s first year is crucial in many ways. Especially if you are a first-time parent, there are many things to emphasize, and one of those is oral health.
Having no teeth does not mean that you should not exert effort in maintaining a proper oral health routine. If you are clueless about what to do, read on and learn from the tips we’ll share.
Tips and Tricks for Infant’s Oral Health
Raising an infant can be overwhelming. One thing that you should not miss, however, is oral health. Even before the first tooth erupts, you need a proactive approach. Below are some of the most important things to do as recommended by experts.
Clean the Gums
The absence of a tooth does not mean that you can neglect oral care. Hence, for infants, you will need to clean their gums after feeding or twice a day. You can do this by putting the infant in one arm. On the other hand, wrap a washcloth around your finger. Dip in water and massage around the gums. This is effective in the removal of sugars and bacteria that cause cavities.
Brush Regularly
In a post by Dentaly, it has been recommended that you should use fluoride toothpaste. It has an ingredient that will strengthen the tooth, making it less prone to decay as the infant grows. The toothpaste should have at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride until six years old. After such, 1,350 to 1,500 ppm of fluoride is recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste upon the eruption of the first tooth, which usually happens in the sixth month. It should not be bigger than the size of a rice grain. At three years old, you can use pea-sized fluoride toothpaste. There is a risk that infants can swallow toothpaste. To prevent such, angle the head down so that the toothpaste will dribble in the baby’s mouth. Swallowing a little bit of toothpaste, however, is not a cause of immediate concern.
Start Dental Visits Early
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), an infant’s first dental visit should be when the first tooth erupts. While the timeline can vary, in most cases, it will be on the sixth month and not later than the first birthday. During the first dental visit, the dentist can provide recommendations to parents on proper oral care. By starting early, you will also be building a habit, minimizing the possibility that a child will have fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist.
A visit to the dentist can also educate you about a dental home. The AAPD defines dental home as “the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral healthcare delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way.” It includes matters related to wellness, prevention, and disease management, making it a crucial element in an infant’s oral health.
Beware of Saliva Swapping
Saliva swapping may seem harmless to uninitiated parents, but it is one of the ways by which you can transfer bacteria, causing oral problems in infants. From sharing the same spoon to cleaning the pacifier with your mouth, there are many ways your saliva can be the culprit for oral problems in the little ones. So, to promote healthy teeth from the start, stay away from habits and practices that could involve saliva swapping.
Create a Meal Plan
Proper nutrition is crucial when raising an infant, so pay attention to what you are feeding them. Infant nutrition and oral health are interrelated. At six months, infants can already eat solid food. Focus on giving them fruits and vegetables but avoid those that are too acidic as they can erode the enamel. Fruit juices may seem harmless, but they should be given in moderation as they can also contribute to dental problems. Calcium is also a must-have as it will make their teeth stronger. Infants can be picky eaters, but you should never give in. Teaching them health food habits while they are young will make it easier to build healthy habits as they grow up.
Do Not Leave a Baby Bottle at Night
Putting an infant to sleep is a struggle that most parents will find relatable. For others, they often give their baby a feeding bottle and leave it in their mouth as they sleep. However, this is one thing that you should avoid. Milk can pool around the mouth once they are asleep. In turn, it has sugars that can cause mouth problems. The best solution is to give them milk in a cup and then remove it once they are done. If you feed them using a baby bottle, keep an eye and take it out once they are asleep.
Use Pacifiers With Caution
Calming a fussy baby can be challenging. Thanks to pacifiers, your job is a lot easier! Nonetheless, while it has many benefits, including helping with the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, it also has issues. Among others, it can result in dental malocclusion. Teeth overcrowding and misalignment can be apparent. One of the best ways to avoid such is to stop pacifier use at the right time and to use it only when necessary. Try to find other methods of calming your baby.
It is common for parents to dip pacifiers in sugar or other sweet syrups to make them more appealing to infants. However, you are introducing one thing that can be a culprit for oral health problems – sugar.
In Closing
Oral health in infants should be a priority among parents. Even before their first tooth erupts, you will need a proactive approach. From the day they were born, they already have teeth, but they are hiding under the gums. From cleaning the gums to providing their fluoride needs, this article talked about some of the best approaches recommended by experts to help maintain the best oral health in infants.