Having a baby means lot of works to do. From changing diapers, feedings and odd sleep patterns can leave even the most organized parents exhausted and absentminded. Amid the multitude of new things parents must learn about taking care of their new baby is oral hygiene. Most dentists and pediatricians agree that parents should make dental care a priority, even during the first months of a baby’s life. By starting good oral hygiene practices early, parents will be training their children to continue these beneficial routines into their adult years.

Oral Hygiene for Babies with No Teeth
Everyone has harmful bacteria in their mouths, even babies. Parents can help reduce some of these bacteria by gently swabbing the baby’s gums with a wet cloth after feedings. This will not hurt the baby’s gums; rather, he will probably enjoy the sensation.

Oral Hygiene for Teething Babies
Babies begin the teething process when the teeth begin to pierce through the gum line. Once the baby teeth begin to show, parents should start gently brushing all areas of the teeth and gums with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush two times each day.

Babies and Fluoride
When babies are small there is no need to use toothpaste, water will do. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children age 2 and younger use fluoride-free toothpaste. Using fluoride toothpaste before a child has learned to adequately spit it out after brushing can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis.

What is dental fluorosis, it is a permanent condition that occurs when a child is exposed to an overabundance of fluoride during the tooth enamel forming years. The result is either baby teeth or adult teeth that have mild to severe tooth discoloration, such as lines or spots, or irregularities on the surface of the teeth, such as pits.

Babies and Dentist Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be scheduled for a first dentist visit by the time they turn 1 year of age or when the first tooth comes in. Some dentists begin actual dental exams and cleanings on children when they turn 3 years of age.

Prior to and in-between dental visits, pediatricians check the teeth and gums of their young patients during well-visits. If there are visible problems or if the doctor or parents have concerns about the state of the child’s dental health, it may be recommended that the parents schedule a more in-depth examination by a pediatric dentist or family dentist. Such situations might include:

* Injury to the teeth
* Tooth discoloration
* Tooth sensitivity
* Atypical growths in the mouth

Effect of Baby Bottles and Pacifiers on Teeth
Babies should never be given bottles of milk or juice as a way to fall asleep or as a “security” item that is used throughout the day. Allowing babies and children to continually have these types of liquids on the teeth for prolonged periods can easily lead to tooth decay. Baby bottles should be discouraged around the child’s first birthday.

Pacifiers, when continually used after age 3, can create a bad bite or misaligned teeth. It is advisable to stop the pacifier and thumb sucking habit as soon as possible to alleviate these potential problems.