Dental care for babies

Cleaning gums and teeth

• Gum care is performed also before the teeth erupt. Wipe your child's gums gently several times a day using soft cotton gauze soaked in saline.
• Teeth cleaning begins as soon as the first tooth erupts; teeth should be cleaned twice a day, both outer and inner side should be cleaned, preferably after the first and last meal. Use damp soft cotton gauze or a soft brush and clean water.
• At this age, a toothbrush is rather a toy to be explored by the child.

Nutrition for healthy teeth

• Teeth are at risk of decay as soon as the first one erupts.
• Cleaning alone is not a sufficient guarantee that you will keep them healthy.
• Food and the feeding method are also important. Feeding your child breastmilk, at the same time, provides protection against tooth decay, as well as against jaw deformation.
• When you start introducing other foods in diet from the age of 6 months, you can offer your baby a little water between meals.
• Do not offer babies sugary drinks or sweetened food.
• Do not put the baby to sleep with the bottle in his/her mouth. While sleeping, there is less saliva in the mouth that would clean the teeth, and the food that remains on them can lead to corrosion.
• If the child uses a pacifier, which is not recommended, do not dip it in sweet liquids or wipe it with your mouth, but be sure to wash and sterilize it.

When the first tooth appears (at about 6 months), visit the pediatric dentist for a consultation regarding care and feeding.