Chicago Family Dentist

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Breast milk and formula both contain natural kinds of sugar, making infants highly susceptible to tooth decay. Some parents do not understand the importance of caring for a baby’s teeth, reasoning that the teeth their child was born with will fall out anyway.

The truth is that your child will use those teeth for biting and chewing for years, not to mention the process of learning spoken language. Baby teeth also function as “place holders” for adult teeth; if baby teeth fall out too soon, there may not be room for adult teeth to grow in.

Before Teeth Develop

Many dentists agree that it is important to keep your infant’s mouth clean even before he or she begins to teeth. This will increase your child’s hygiene while establish mouth-cleaning as a nightly ritual, making it easier to introduce your child to the concept of brushing. It is recommended that you gently wash the gums with a wet cloth or infant toothbrush. Be careful not to be too rough.

Early Teeth

After your child begins teething, the method for keeping his or her mouth clean will not change much at first. Using a cotton swab, gently wipe down the teeth and clean the gums. It may be difficult to get your child to sit still for this, especially if you have waited for teeth to appear before you began cleaning his or her mouth. With practice, however, it should become easier.

Check with your pediatrician about the correct time to start using toothpaste. Use a very small amount for a child’s early years; a pea-sized blob is usually sufficient. Remember, children’s teeth decay faster than adults’, so do not be too lax about enforcing regular brushing!

Contact Us

If you would like advice about tooth care or to make an appointment for your child, contact Chicago family dentist Dr. Bagai at 773-767-1554.