Early Infant Oral Care

We all know that one of the most loveable things about your child is his or her bubbly, beautiful smile. It is never too early to begin oral care for your child and promoting good oral health and habits. You can start your child on their way to a great smile for a lifetime by taking care of yourself during pregnancy and cleaning your child's mouth regularly.

During pregnancy, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that women obtain oral healthcare and counseling. Periodontal disease, a disease that attacks the gum and bone around the teeth, can be very serious for both the mother and baby. It can greatly harm the mother's mouth, as well as increase the risk of premature birth and low birth rate.  It is important that pregnant women talk to their doctor and dentist and are educated on ways to prevent periodontal disease. Additionally, mothers with poor oral health have a greater risk of passing bacteria, which causes cavities, to their little ones. The friendly professionals of Bennett Dentistry recommend that mothers follow these simply steps to stay lively and ensure a healthy baby:

• Visit your dentist on a regular basis.
• Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
• Maintain a healthy diet, watching your intake of foods and drinks high in sugar & starch.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride that is recommended by the ADA and rinse every night with an alcohol-free, mouth rinse with .05 % sodium fluoride to reduce plaque.
• Do not share utensils, food, or drinks in which bacteria could be transmitted to your child.

After your child is born, you should immediately begin cleaning their mouth after every feeding by gently wiping the gums with a clean, wet cloth or gauze. When your child begins to get teeth, you should introduce him or her to an extra soft, kid-friendly tooth brush. Your child should brush their teeth at least twice a day, using a small amount of ADA recommended toothpaste (remember to make sure they do not swallow it). You should also floss your child's teeth gently each day, making sure areas that are particularly close together are clean.

In order to maximize both your child and your dental health, and to encourage lifelong habits and a beautiful smile, oral care can never be started too early or taken too seriously.