You need to make sure that your baby’s oral health is in perfect shape if you want to set them on a good foundation as far as their general health is concerned. By doing this, you can lower the chances of complications coming up, some of which could be far-reaching. Read this guide so that you can find it easier to take proper care of your baby’s oral health.
Acquire the Right Products
To start with, you need to have the right oral health care products. These include a soft, clean cloth that you can use to wipe your baby’s gums after feeding them long before their first teeth come in. Doing this can get them more accustomed to having their mouth and gums cleaned so that they’re ready when they finally get their milk teeth. You should also get a soft-bristled brush for their first teeth and accompany this with the right toothpaste. You can get the chance to shop around for all these products if you start to look before your baby gets home.
Set Regular Appointments With a Pediatric Dentist
The next step for you to take is to look for a reliable pediatric dentist to whom you can take your child. You need to start taking them for dental visits the moment that their first teeth come in. This way, you can get them used to visiting the dentist regularly. Remember that visiting the dentist twice annually is a good rule of thumb, according to Colgate. Make sure to find a competent and warm professional who won’t leave your baby uncomfortable and scared of dental visits if you want to get the best outcome.
Visiting a dentist early on can also help you learn about any potential oral health issues that can arise. Whether you’ve adopted a baby, given birth naturally, or utilized an egg donor (who is usually between the ages of 19 and 29), you need to know if there are any hereditary problems you can care for as early as possible.
Check for Issues
You should also take some time to check your baby’s teeth and gums for issues regularly. Did you know that 400 common medications actually cause a dry mouth and increase the risk for oral diseases? Are you aware of foods and drinks your baby should avoid until their teeth have grown in? By staying prepared, you can seek medical attention for your baby if you see any signs that something could be wrong.
Create a Routine
Finally, it may seem like it’s too early to have an oral health routine in place when you have a newborn, but it’s not. That’s because a baby grows up quite fast, and before you know it, they’ll be able to hold their own toothbrush and clean their teeth. While your infant will likely be fussy when you inspect their mouth and brush their teeth as they start coming in, it’s best to get them used to such a routine while they’re young.
With your help and attention, your baby’s oral health can be set on a firm foundation that will ensure that they have a bright and healthy smile as they grow older. Utilize these tips as you navigate your baby’s oral health journey!
