Optimal dental health is essential for infants, toddlers, and children but is vital for everyone. The habits formed during childhood will serve as the basis for the remainder of their lives.
Primary teeth, also known as infant’s teeth, are essential for the future dental health of your child. In addition to aiding in forming a path for the permanent teeth when they are finally ready to erupt, they enable children to communicate and chew naturally.
Kids are happier if they can eat without difficulty, communicate clearly, and confidently smile. In addition, if diseased infant teeth are not treated, your child’s overall health may be affected.
As soon as your infant is born, taking care of his or her teeth is crucial. Here are some dental care recommendations for infants and toddlers. A dentist in Honolulu, HI can help.
Prioritize Your Maternal Health
The formation of baby dentition begins during pregnancy. Under the baby’s gums, a complete set of primary teeth has formed by the time of birth. It is essential to prioritize oral health throughout pregnancy.
How to Maintain Your Infant’s Mouth and Gums
Cavities are brought about by pathogens transmitted from adults to children. Babies are born without cavity-causing bacteria. Sharing saliva and utensils, testing foods before feeding them to infants, rinsing a pacifier in their mouth instead of water, and engaging in other activities where saliva is shared are ways caregivers can transmit these pathogens. Even before infants have teeth, these germs can initiate the cavity-causing process, so it is crucial to refrain from sharing saliva with your baby as soon as possible.
Daily, use a clean, soft washcloth to cleanse your infant’s mouth and gums before their first tooth erupts. This prevents the accumulation of sugars from breast milk or formula and acclimates them to having their mouths cleaned.
How to Care for Your Infant’s Newly Erupted Teeth
Teething, referred to as primary tooth eruption, is how a baby’s first teeth protrude through the gums. Typically, teething begins around six months of age. However, it is perfectly normal for dentition to begin between three and twelve months of age.
When teeth are visible, brush them twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste. Encourage your child to spew the toothpaste out.
Teething affects each infant differently. Some infants exhibit no signs or symptoms, while others are uncomfortable. You can take measures to alleviate your child’s discomfort and agony during the teething process.
