Newborn Dental Hygiene

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

02 Jan 2009 02:02 PM

You should take care of your baby's teeth and gums even if she doesn't yet have any teeth. Research shows that establishing good dental hygiene at a young age, even for an infant, can lead to a lifetime of good health. Here is some advice on what you need to do to take care of your baby.

You may or may not have heard of the condition known as baby bottle mouth. Serious harm can come to a baby's teeth when bottled filled with juice, milk or formula are allowed to sit in a baby's mouth for long periods of time. Generally this happens when a baby is put to bed with a bottle. If you bottle feed, make sure to remove the bottle should your baby fall asleep (this also prevents wet clothes and sheets).

Another good idea that not too many parents practice is to wipe your baby's gums gently with a clean damp washcloth or a piece of gauze. This might be difficult if the baby falls asleep, but studies have shown that it does help prevent tooth decay in early teeth as well as get the baby used to having teeth cleaned once they come in.

Why should you take care of baby teeth when they will just be replace anyway? Well, permanent teeth can take years to come in. Meanwhile your child could have painful cavities. And neglecting baby teeth could lead to damage of the permanent teeth. Studies show that dental problems can cause or influence other health conditions, such as heart disease and even miscarriage. It can also lead to malnutrition and issues with self esteem.

Previous recommendations for dental care urged parents to have their baby's teeth checked by age three, but currently the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends examination by a dentist or pediatrician by the age of one.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Getting a Toddler to Eat

Fluoride and Infants

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Samual (11722) 02 Jan 2009 02:13 PM

Here you have to go to the dentist every six months otherwise you are asked to leave the practice.

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 02 Jan 2009 05:57 PM

Six month check ups are pretty common here, too.