Healthy Teeth
Healthy baby teeth are very important for strong, straight teeth later in life. A lot of adult tooth problems go back to problems with baby teeth. So here are some things that you can do NOW so that YOUR baby’s teeth are beautiful as your baby grows up.
Easy Ways to Keep Baby’s Teeth Beautiful
- Put baby to bed AFTER a feeding, not with a bottle.
- Don’t give soft drinks, Kool-Aid, sugar water or juice in the bottle.
- Don’t let your baby walk around with the bottle. Taking little sips all day long can cause baby’s teeth to decay. Then the teeth chip or break off easily.
Tooth Care
The American Dental Association says:
- Wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp wash cloth after feeding.
- When most of your child’s teeth have come in, use a small, soft toothbrush after each feeding.
- Find out if your water has fluoride in it. If it does not, ask your dentist or doctor about getting fluoride. It makes teeth stronger.
- Start taking your child to the dentist by age 2.
- If you see any change in tooth color (such as any dark areas), take your child to the dentist as soon as possible.
Warning! Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay happens when baby is used to falling asleep with the bottle. It also happens when a child carries the bottle around as a toddler. Baby bottle tooth decay ruins baby teeth, especially the front teeth. If your baby’s teeth start to get dark spots, go to a dentist right away. And get your baby off the bottle by 12 months.
This page last updated on 6/20/07.