As parents, we are clear that one of our priorities is the health of our children and although initially, it may seem a somewhat strange approach, since babies do not have permanent teeth, it is essential to take care of the dental health of babies from the beginning, starting with hygiene.
In this way, we can prevent the appearance of bacteria associated with cavities and other oral infections present in saliva that can affect any age, in addition to trying to maintain healthy teeth that help the baby eat and form its first sounds and words.
When to start cleaning baby’s teeth?
The first question that arises is to know the right time to start with the oral cleaning of babies. We believe that during the first months of life, babies are in a passive oral phase in which it is more than advisable to start performing oral hygiene, specifically of the gums
So, taking advantage of the moment of the bath, this cleaning can be carried out using a silicone thimble, or, failing that, a damp gauze or the tip of a cloth moistened with water. In this way, we can perform a gum massage that in most cases is very pleasant for infants.
When to start brushing baby’s teeth?
The first “milk” teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months of age and are generally the lower incisors.
When these first teeth begin to appear, it is recommended to purchase a special toothbrush and toothpaste for babies and use them after meals. We must not forget to continue cleaning the gums with a dental thimble or wet gauze as in its first months.
It is important to keep in mind the toothpaste when we start using it. One of the components that creates controversy is Fluorine. The Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry recommends in boys and girls:
- Between 6 months to 3 years use an amount of pasta similar to a grain of rice at least 2 times a day. Fluoride should not exceed 1000 parts per million (ppm).
- Between 3 and 5 years use an amount similar to a pea with a paste that contains 1000 ppm fluoride.
- After 5 years, the reference of a pea will continue to be used to calculate the amount, but the amount of fluoride must be set at 1450 ppm.
In addition, at the moment they begin to have teeth (18-24 months) you can use dental floss delicately.
Is breastfeeding negative for my baby’s oral health?
No, but we must know that breast milk is food that contains natural sugars that can cause cavities to appear if we do not clean the baby’s mouth properly.
How to take care of the dental health of babies from one year on?
From the first year, we can get the little one used to using the brush, using it as a game in which the whole family participates. It is a way of promoting their autonomy. And it is that education and the creation of healthy eating habits at an early age is also a fundamental aspect.
In addition to brushing, we must strive to educate our children from a young age with a balanced diet. To maintain good dental hygiene, children must drink plenty of water and get used to eating fruits and vegetables.
Likewise, we must avoid eating foods with sugars that can cause cavities to appear at a very early age. In case of detecting a cavity, it is best to go to the dentist or pediatrician with our baby to solve the problem as soon as possible.
When to go to the dentist for the first time?
When the child turns two years old, we must make an appointment with the children’s dentist to carry out a complete review of his or her oral health. Pediatric dentistry has been largely forgotten for years, but it is becoming increasingly important. Taking care of the oral health of the little ones is the best way to strengthen their mouth and teeth when they are adults.
As we have already said on many occasions, the fundamental thing is to anticipate oral health problems; This is the best way to prevent diseases and correct the factors that predispose them to their appearance. If you have any questions about this topic, do not hesitate to share it with us through the web or on our Facebook page.
