You and Your Baby

Birth to six months of age:

• Clean your infant’s mouth with gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime.
• If breastfeeding, wipe your baby’s mouth as soon as the baby is done.

Six to 12 months of age:

• During this time, the first tooth should appear and you should visit your pediatric dentist to establish your baby’s dental home.
• Consult your child’s pediatric dentist regarding fluoride supplements.
• Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small infant safety brush.
• Do not be discouraged if your baby cries or fights you. It is important to establish a tooth-brushing routine early on. Your baby’s healthy smile will be worth the fuss.
• As your child begins to walk, be on the lookout for falls and stumbles. If your baby has a fall refer to our emergency information.

Bottle-feeding:

Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or a sippy cup. If you must let your baby have a bottle at night, only fill it with water. Wean your child from the bottle by his or her first birthday.

Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or a sippy cup. If you must let your baby have a bottle at night, only fill it with water. Wean your child from the bottle by his or her first birthday.

Do not nurse your baby to sleep or put him or her to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water. Be aware of the sugar content of the juices you give your baby. Unfortunately, most contain high-fructose corn syrup, and this will break down enamel on your baby’s teeth and cause decay. Bring your baby to see us every 6 months to have his or her teeth and gums checked. Together we can make sure that your baby develops a beautiful healthy smile.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you brush your baby’s teeth with flouridated toothpaste as soon as a tooth comes in. Be sure to only use a smear of toothpaste for a child less than 2 years of age. If your baby prefers to chew on the toothbrush and swallow then use the fluoride-free infant toothpaste.

Babies react very differently to new teeth coming in. Some babies simply drool more and appear to have very little discomfort before the baby tooth erupts and you see it the mouth. Most babies, however, do have some degree of discomfort associated with teething. Increased drooling, restless sleep, fussiness, and refusal to eat are some of the more common symptoms of teething. The back molars generally cause more discomfort than any other teeth.

We will discuss teething and other issues with you during our infant care visit. We want all our parents to feel comfortable with the dental changes babies go through.

Sucking a thumb, finger, or pacifier is a perfectly normal reflex for infants. It makes them feel happy and secure and it is a source of comfort in unfamiliar situations. Most children give up this habit between the ages of two and four. If the habit continues past the age of four it can interfere with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. If your child has not given the habit up by age four, we will discuss all various options with you and help him or her break the habit.