New Mom’s Guide to First-Year Oral Care

There’s a lot of new information that mom’s have to learn during their child’s first year. Today, we’re going to help new parents everywhere by giving them a guide to first-year oral care. 

Clean Their Mouths 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that parents begin cleaning their baby’s mouth from day one. New moms can use an infant toothbrush or a soft cloth soaked in cool, clean water to clean their baby’s gums after nursing. Parents should clean their infant’s gums daily, and after each meal they have.

Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay 

Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the most common ailments that young children encounter. It usually occurs when infants drink milk or other sugary beverages in their bottle without cleaning their mouths afterwards. You can avoid baby bottle tooth decay by giving your child water after they’ve had milk, and by limiting or eliminating sugary beverages in their bottles.

Use the Right Kind of Bedtime Bottle 

If your child requires a bedtime bottle, then make sure that it is filled with only water so that you’re not exposing their teeth to sugar for long periods. By sending your baby to bed with bottle of milk, you expose their mouths to high amounts of sugar for an extended period of time.

Care for Tooth Number One

Usually, your child’s first tooth will emerge around the 4–6 month mark. From day one, it’s important that you keep your child’s first tooth clean! You can do this by using an infant toothbrush.  

When shopping for a toothbrush, look for one that has rounded bristles and a small head that can easily fit into their mouth. Find a toothbrush that has very soft bristles, without the hard rubber liners on the outside of the head (called burs). You can begin flossing their teeth once they have two teeth touching. Use flat, wide floss and apply very gentle pressure to clean all sides of the tooth.

Find a Pediatric Dental Home by Age One 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that parents take their infants to the pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges – which is around the four – six month mark.

We love serving families, and helping guide them to oral health success – and we’d be happy to see you! Call our office to schedule a stress-free first visit, and get your child a leg-up on their oral health today.