New babies are vulnerable little people. And from the first day a tooth erupts, new teeth are vulnerable too. Fortunately, as parents, there are ways you can protect your child from cavities and ensure the best possible dental health beginnings.
One avoidable threat to baby teeth is “nursing bottle mouth.” While putting down the child with a bottle before sleep is common, the effect can be early decay. Your child’s saliva works to cleanse the mouth while he’s awake. But during sleep, sugar in bedtime liquids mixes with bacteria and attaches the fragile enamel. Even healthy milk or formula is dangerous if left on the teeth for any length of time.
Your child may find comfort in a bottle at naptime, and that’s good. But plain water is best to protect new teeth.
Remember, we encourge you to take your baby in for checkup-up between 6 months and 2 years. In the meantime, get a head start by brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they arrive, with an ultra soft baby toothbrush. Try the safe “Banana Brush” as an ideal solution. As the spaces between teeth begin to close, it’s time to floss. Your child will grow up with positive dental expectations and the right kind of health habits.
