Caring for Your Baby's Teeth FAQ's
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Pediatricians and dentists
recommend starting as soon as the first tooth comes in. That's because
sugars in food, milk and formula can form a plaque-like film. Removal of
this film is important to promote good oral hygiene at an early age.
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What should I use to brush my baby's teeth?
When your baby is under a
year old, she (or he) needs to become accustomed to having her teeth and
gums cleaned. A soft finger toothbrush will work well.
Many professionals recommend Baby
Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser. It's specially formulated for babies
and toddlers. It's made with Microdent® to
help remove plaque and prevent build-up. Best of all, it's fluoride-free
so it's safe to swallow. Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser also does
not foam and does not contain abrasives.
Your baby will enjoy the experience because Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum
Cleanser is specially flavored for babies, in Mixed Fruit or Apple-Banana.
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How do I brush my baby's teeth?
The first
few times, begin by cleaning only the front teeth. Soon after, you can
gradually move to the back gums. Sitting your baby on your lap works well.
Do this twice a day and make it part of your routine - either after baby's
bath or when you are brushing your own teeth.
By the time your child
is 12 - 18 months, he (or she) will love to have his own toothbrush
and mimic you while you brush your teeth together. Let your baby experiment
with it.
When it's your turn,
hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line. Then
gently move the brush back and forth, using short strokes. Brush the
outer surfaces, the inside and the chewing surfaces. For the inside
of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use up and down strokes.
You'll need to do most of the brushing since it takes a number of years
before a child has the coordination to do it alone.
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Can I put my baby to bed with a bottle?
You should never put your
baby to bed with a bottle (unless it's water) since the sugar in formula
or juice will pool around the teeth. A severe condition known as bottle
tooth decay may occur.
It's also best not to let
your toddler walk around with a bottle during the day. What's important
is to minimize the amount of time the bottle is in the mouth.
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Why should I use a non-fluoride cleanser for my baby?
While fluoride can help prevent
cavities, its use must be carefully controlled in young children. Children
are exposed to a wide variety of sources, including drinking water, fluoride
toothpaste, fluoride supplements, formula, juice and other kinds of food.
Ingesting too much fluoride could result in fluorosis,
white spots that develop on the permanent teeth. Fluoride toothpaste may
not be appropriate for children under two (ask your doctor or dentist)
because babies under two may swallow the toothpaste and ingest too much
fluoride.
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When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
Your pediatrician is trained
to check a baby's teeth and provide instruction on cavity prevention.
Visits
to the dentist are also an important part of good oral care. The
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association
recommend a first check-up before your child turns one. The purpose
of this visit is for a preventive exam only.
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