Steps for a healthy mouth from birth until age 6
Development of the mouth and teeth
- Baby teeth are important because they help signal the correct sequence for the adult teeth to erupt into.
- Early loss of baby teeth can cause undue crowding and growth problems.
- 6-year molars are the first set of adult molars that are going to erupt behind the baby teeth.
- Healthy primary and permanent teeth are highly important for chewing, speaking, jaw development, and self-esteem.
From the time your baby is born until six months old, you can help keep your child’s mouth healthy by:
- Holding your baby when giving them a bottle.
- wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean, soft, damp cloth after each feeding and before bed and nap time.
- Giving your baby only water in their bottle, except at feeding times.
- Not dipping your baby’s pacifier in anything sweet like sugar or honey.
- putting your baby to sleep without a bottle.
- Instead put your baby to sleep by singing, playing music, reading a story, or giving them a favorite blanket or teddy bear.
When your baby is six months old:
- It is time for your baby’s first checkup with the dentist.
- Help them learn how to use a cup and put away the bottle by age one.
- Ask your dentist or baby’s doctor whether your baby should take a fluoride supplement.
- As soon as the first tooth comes in:
- Begin brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Avoid frequent (breast or bottle) feedings at night.
- Every day after cleaning your baby’s mouth, check their teeth for white or dark spots.
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When your baby is one year old:
- It’s time to stop bottle feeding your baby.
- Choose foods for your baby that do not have a lot of sugar in them, such as fruits, vegetables, or cheese instead of candy and cookies.
- Continue to take your baby to the dentist for routine dental checkups.
When your child is two years and older:
- Continue to take your child to the dentist for routine dental checkups.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until they can handle brushing by themselves.
- Use only a very small pea-sized amount of toothpaste made for children that has fluoride in it.
- When your child’s back teeth come in, as your dentist about dental sealants.
- Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks and to drink water and milk instead of sweetened beverages and sodas.
Written By: Dr. Ngo
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