Think of everything you do to take care of your body. Every day, you try to eat healthy foods, stay active, and get enough sleep at night. One of the most important things we can do to take care of ourselves is to brush, floss our teeth and taking the best dental care.
Oral hygiene is just as important for newborns as it is for adults. And oral care begins even before your baby’s teeth emerge from the gumline.
You want to help your child develop a smile they’re proud to show off. Some of the most common dental problems in children include:
- Cavities
- Chipped teeth
- And gum disease
What can you do to prevent these issues? New moms, take note: these best dental care tips will keep your baby’s teeth strong and healthy.
Cleaning The Gums
You know that it’s important to care for your teeth. But what about your gums? These tissues are just as vital as the teeth that they support.
Start cleaning your baby’s gums even before their teeth grow in. To do so, grab a clean, soft washcloth, and wet it with warm water. Then, gently rub the washcloth along the gums to remove any food particles or bacteria.
Then, as the teeth grow in, you can use a soft-bristled brush and child-friendly toothpaste for best dental care. Once the teeth start to touch, you can floss between them.
When The First Tooth Emerges
Time flies. Somehow, your baby is already growing their first tooth!
Once that first tooth breaks the gumline, it’s time to call the dentist. Even at a young age, oral hygiene is important. Scheduling your baby’s first dental appointment helps build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
A family dentist in Edmonton writes, “During the first appointment, the dentist will see how your child’s teeth are developing. They can detect any potential issues, and give you best dental care tips about how to better take care of your baby’s teeth.”
Managing Teething
It’s a blessing that none of us remember what teething is like. While their teeth emerge, many babies experience irritability, sensitivity, trouble eating/sleeping, and sore gums. To relieve their discomfort, rub their gums with a cool cloth or a cold spoon.
Eating Healthy Foods
Calcium-rich foods, like dairy products and green vegetables, will provide your baby with the nutrients they need to form a healthy smile. Try to feed your baby foods that contain calcium to help them develop strong teeth.
On that note, try to minimize foods that contain high levels of sugar or acid. Things like fruit juice and candy can erode tooth enamel. Avoid sending your child to bed with a bottle of juice; the sugar will sit on their teeth overnight.
Remember To Take Care Of Your Teeth, Too!
You know that pregnancy affects your body in all sorts of different ways. But did you also know that it also affects your teeth?
During and after your pregnancy, your oral hygiene is especially important. Up to 70% of women develop gingivitis while they’re pregnant. Your body produces higher levels of progesterone during pregnancy, a hormone that makes your gums more sensitive to plaque. This puts pregnant women at a higher risk for developing gum disease, which can also impact the oral health of their babies.
Be sure to schedule more frequent visits with your dentist throughout and after your pregnancy. They can monitor your oral health and make recommendations if you’re displaying early signs of gingivitis.
Our teeth are important tools that we rely on throughout our lives. Taking care of them starts during our earliest years. With the above care tips, you can ensure that your baby’s teeth (and your own) are healthy.
