Dental Care For Baby Specialist

How early should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

Most children get their first tooth between six months and one year of age, and you should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth begins poking through their gums. 

Baby’s gums are sensitive, so make sure you use a soft finger brush to gently clean their tooth. If you don’t have a finger brush on hand, you can also use a damp washcloth, gauze pad, or a moist toothbrush that has no more than three rows of very soft bristles.

To prevent cavities early on, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends using a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when you brush your baby’s new tooth.

What does dental care for baby include?

Even if your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, bacteria can still build up on their gums. Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics recommends gently wiping down your baby’s gums at least twice a day, especially after feedings, as part of your dental care for baby routine.

You can cleanse your baby’s gums with a clean damp washcloth or piece of gauze; there’s no need to add toothpaste at this point. Cleaning your baby’s gums regularly helps keep their mouth healthy and bacteria-free before their first tooth comes in.

Around ages four months to six months, your baby may begin teething, letting you know that their first tooth is starting to erupt.

How do I know if my baby is teething?

Once your baby starts teething, you should notice a small opening in the gums where the tooth is coming in. You may also notice your baby seems fussier during this time. This happens because their gums swell and become tender when a tooth erupts. 

Some of the most common teething signs to watch out for include:

• Excessive drooling
• Crying
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Increased biting
• Rash around the mouth
• Crankiness and irritability 
• Ear pulling
• Increased biting
  
  

If you notice your baby putting more toys in their mouth or excessively biting their fingers, this is a telltale sign that they’re trying to relieve pressure on their gums from their incoming tooth.

When your baby’s new tooth finally erupts, schedule an initial visit with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics to help establish your child’s “dental home” as soon as possible. This will help them build a positive relationship with their dentist from a young age.

Schedule a dental care for baby appointment with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics by calling the office or booking online.