We know how cute that toothless gummy smile looks on your baby, it steals our hearts too. As the few teeth appear occasionally, it becomes imperative to keep them clean and introduce a few healthy oral care habits in your baby’s routine, go a long way.
Here are a few Tips and Trivia about baby tooth you cannot miss:
- Babies are born with a full set of 20 primary teeth hidden in their jawbones.
- The milk teeth erupt when babies are around 6 months old.
- Start massaging along the gum lines using a finger brush before the first tooth appears.
- Go easy on the baby’s gums and teeth, brush them gently.
- Baby teeth require as much care as primary teeth.
- Babies need baby-specific toothbrushes that are soft-bristled and gentle on their soft gums.
- Baby teeth can get cavities too. Build up a habit of brushing twice a day in babies to prevent cavities.
- Teach babies aged between 3 years to 6 years how to brush properly, under your supervision.
- Clean baby’s tongue too using a soft baby tongue cleaner to avoid accumulation of white sediments that may lead to fungal infection on your baby’s tongue if not taken care of.
- Help babies practice oral hygiene habits early on in life, you can let them use toothbrushes with anti-choking protective shields.
- Show and tell, babies enjoy it when you turn brushing into a game and happily participate too.
- A baby tooth won’t fall out until the permanent tooth pushes it out.
- Teeth are helpful in speech and oral development. Hence good oral care is important.
- Teeth help in chewing food and hence are very important for growth and development.
- Try not to share baby feeding spoons or soothers among babies, this may transfer bacteria.
- Avoid artificial sugary drinks for babies as they may lead to early tooth decay.
- When giving a pacifier, to your baby don’t dip it in sugar or honey. Give it like it is.
- Break away from the habit of offering a bottle of juice or milk while the baby is trying to sleep. The remnants on the infant’s teeth may result in cavities.
- Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding or help them gargle after feedings.
- Cavities when left untreated can lead to dental infections. So make sure you don’t let them happen in the first place.
- A nutritious diet with fresh fruits and green vegetables can keep baby teeth healthy.