Taking care of baby teeth is an integral part of being there for your child. It is a significant milestone since they can finally eat more solid meals as they progress to become toddlers. The problem is this period can also be riddled with tooth decay issues, especially if you don’t pay attention to proper oral health habits for infants. Fortunately for you, we have just the information you need! 

This guide is a starting point for new parents like you to know the essentials about tooth decay prevention for babies. Doing so will help avoid medical issues since the mouth is considered the first line of defence against harmful bacteria. This way, your children can grow up strong and ready to care for their teeth!

What Causes Tooth Decay in Babies? 

As mentioned earlier, baby teeth can be exposed to bacteria once they start eating solid food, and they can also thrive early if you don’t clean the gums. Harmful microorganisms grow faster as well since there could be a lot of liquid and food particles, which can act as bacteria’s own source of nutrients. This reaction leads to bad breath, weaker teeth, and early signs of dental issues even before they hit preschool age.

The main culprit of tooth decay starts with a product that we know all too well: sugar. Natural and added sugary beverages are often the common source, like fruit juice, artificial milk, and soda. Giving these types of drinks to your baby can ruin their oral health, lead to undernutrition, and affect their body’s natural development. 

How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay for My Babies? 

Just as you have your oral health habits to adhere to as a responsible parent, your babies have their own, which should be one of your top priorities while they cannot look after themselves. Refer to the following guidelines and precautions to avoid tooth decay and other associated issues: 

Wash your baby’s feeding bottle or the mother’s breast before feeding

Sanitizing where your baby’s mouth goes when they need their milk is a must to prevent any pathogens from getting into their bodies. When they start teething, you should also clean their pacifiers and teething toys. Most importantly, watch out for times when babies put their tongues in places where they shouldn’t go, especially when they start to explore their senses and surroundings. 

Test your drinking water at home to check if it is fluoridated 

Drinking water is a great way to boost your infant’s natural immune system and encourage healthy saliva production to protect the mouth from germs. However, if you have non-fluoridated tap water, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, letting tooth decay grow more easily. It would be advisable to get prescribed fluoride supplements from your baby’s doctor when needed. 

Take your baby to the dentist 

According to our team of Edmonton pediatric dentists and the Canadian Dental Association, babies should see a dentist when they are at least six months within the first tooth eruption. If you feel that your baby is still too young, just remember to clean their gums with a damp washcloth or coordinate with your local dental professionals for further advice. 

Conclusion 

Your baby’s first teeth are a great sign of healthy growth, but dental issues can also begin early on, threatening your child’s health and well-being. Fortunately, you now know more about tooth decay and what can be done to avoid it. Just make sure you find reliable professionals who can help you and your little one have bright, healthy smiles! 

Edmonton Smiles is your baby’s best bet to professional pediatric dentists in South Edmonton. We can treat tooth decay and provide preventative dental services for your child. We also have emergency dental interventions, teeth whitening, and other dental solutions for the whole family. Book your appointment with us today online or by calling (587) 410-5907

Posted in Dental News & Advice