How to care for your baby’s teeth?

The first baby tooth will erupt at age 6 months old, and completion of total 20 baby teeth by the age of 2 years old. During this 2 years, decay of teeth can happen and it is not uncommon. 

The number 1 factor of teeth decay in children is milk bottle feeding. The idea, breastmilk or formula milk gives energy, and when this milk breaks down, it turns into sugar. Sleeping with the milk bottle inside the mouth or baby sleeping while being breastfed will result in milk pooling over the teeth, constantly teeth in contact with sugar for a period of time. Besides, during sleep, there is lack of saliva to cleanse the milk residue that sticks on the teeth. This ultimaly cause decay on their tiny teeth, starting with a white spot, progressing to yellow spot, brown spot and eventually black cavity. 

An early dental visit before the age of 2 is very important to prevent decays of baby teeth from happening at this early age. Milk bottle decay is commonly on upper front teeth where the milk bottle tip/nipple will be behind these upper front teeth. Decay of the upper front teeth will affect the child’s self confidence. They will need to wait till age 7-8 years old for their permanent teeth to erupt.

Tips for new parents:

From birth to 6 months:

• Use a damp, clean washcloth to wipe off of your child’s gums after each feeding

Then, from 6 to 12 months:

• Be sure to schedule your first dental appointment
• Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth​
• Give them water or wipe the teeth after feeding
• Brushing your child’s teeth every morning and night using a soft child’s toothbrush ​

And, from 12 to 36 months:

• Regular dental appointment should continue every 6 months
• Start flossing as soon as teeth touch, paying close attention to back teeth touching
• Use a rice sized portion of toothpaste with fluoride
• If after 36 months your child is able to spit on their own, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste