Early Infant Oral Care

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.

Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young children. Mother’s should follow these simple steps to decrease the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria.

When your child’s first tooth appears or first birthday (whichever comes first), talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup with the child’s physician. Remember: starting early and routine visits are the key to a lifetime of good dental health. For more information about nutrition and your baby, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

During this visit, you can expect the dentist to:

Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums and into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth, and they usually begin erupting between the ages of 6-8 months. See “Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth” for more details.

One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened drinks.

Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. Then when the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed on to the baby.

Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth, giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should only contain water. If your child won’t fall asleep without a bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over a period of one to two weeks.

If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean, and be sure to never dip it in sugar or honey, as this can lead to tooth decay.

Breastmilk is proven to be extremely beneficial for babies.  However, breastmilk in combination with other foods and sugars can be very dangerous for young teeth.

After each feeding, it is best to wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place your child’s head in your lap, or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones, and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that children eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater chance for tooth decay.  How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For example, lollipops, hard candy, gum and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time. This allows for longer “sugar” attacks on the tooth’s enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt or low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children’s teeth

Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear – which is typically       around age 6 months. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. It most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth might also be affected. In some cases, infants and toddlers may experience decay so severe that their teeth cannot be saved and need to be removed.
The good news is that tooth decay is preventable! Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle, sippy cup, etc. filled with anything other than water. See “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” for more information.

Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush.  Do not use an adult-sized toothbrush.

Parents should start flossing when tooth surfaces are next to each other. It is important to floss at least once a day.  Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach. It helps prevent cavities between the teeth.

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary (baby) teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary (baby) teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive

Sippy cups should be used as a training tool from the bottle to a cup and should be discontinued by the first birthday. If your child uses a sippy cup, fill the sippy cup with water only (except at mealtimes). By filling the sippy cup with liquids that contain sugar (including milk, fruit juice, sports drinks etc.) and allowing a child to drink from it throughout the day, provides food for cavity causing bacteria.