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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.


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