New babies are vulnerable little people. Â And from the first day a tooth erupts, new teeth are vulnerable too. Â 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.” Â While putting down the child with a bottle before sleep is common, the effect can be early decay. Â Your child’s saliva works to cleanse the mouth while he’s awake. Â But during sleep, sugar in bedtime liquids mixes with bacteria and attaches the fragile enamel. Â 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. Â 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. Â In the meantime, get a head start by brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they arrive, with an ultra soft baby toothbrush. Â Try the safe “Banana Brush” as an ideal solution. Â As the spaces between teeth begin to close, it’s time to floss. Â Your child will grow up with positive dental expectations and the right kind of health habits.