Dr. McConnell insists that good oral hygiene should begin before infants even get their first tooth. Pathogenic, disease-causing bacteria is present in babies’ mouths. Keeping their mouths clean and healthy helps prevent sickness and disease throughout the body. By the time they have all their permanent teeth, the risk of gum disease is even greater.
Here are tips on promoting good oral hygiene from day one:
· Caring for kids starts with caring for yourself, not only because periodontal disease can be contagious but it is always good to lead by example.
· For babies be sure to use dental friendly pacifiers and bottle nipples. The classic is the Nuke design.
· Always avoid putting babies to bed with any bottles as the pooled milk or juice can lead to severe decay.
· On babies, before teeth are present, use single gauze or thin wash cloth to gently displace bacteria-rich film that sticks to gum ridges. As they get teeth, continue to use gauze or wash cloth. Be sure to use dental-friendly pacifiers and bottle nipples. Never put them to bed with a bottle as the pooled milk or juice can lead to severe decay.
· Babies get their first teeth typically by 6 months but it can be even earlier than that. It is difficult to brush a babies teeth so you can use a wash cloth, cotton gauze or special little finger swabs designed for cleaning the mouth. You want to remove the filmy plaque covering the teeth. As they approach toddler years you can start using a brush, you don’t even need to use toothpaste but if you do use the kid-friendly toothpaste they can swallow. As they get older they can graduate to rinsing and spitting.
· Teething is part of being a parent and every baby is different. Be cautious with “herbal” remedies, some contain VERY strong medications, ex Belladona based, while not disapproved by the FDA are actually very strong nerve depressants. A safer alternative is the use of a teething ring, or recommended doses of infant Tylenol or Motrin.
· As baby is comfortable, usually by age one, graduate to a small-head infant-sized brush using water or infant toothpaste. Before they are three, it is safe to use training toothpaste that is not fluoridated.
· When all the teeth are in by ages two to three, use a toothbrush and child toothpaste. When the child is able to spit and doesn’t swallow the toothpaste, use fluoride toothpaste. Don’t allow swallowing of the toothpaste.
· Parents should floss their child’s teeth until the child is able to do so themselves.
· Reinforce good health and good early health habits by bringing your child in for regular dental visits. Their first visit, the happy visit should be about a ride in the chair, counting teeth and just making sure the baby, toddler is comfortable, oftentimes just held in the parent’s arms.
· When bathing your baby you can do your own dental exam. Parents will probably have better luck than most dentists. Simply look for any dark spots on the fronts or backsides of the teeth, if any suspicious areas show, call your dentist.
· Set a good example for your kids by taking great care of your own teeth and gums.
We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com
Best in Health,
Steven McConnell DDS and Staff
