Keep Your Baby's First Teeth Healthy
The health of your baby's first teeth is very important. First teeth help your baby eat and speak well. They hold space for adult teeth, which helps prevent teeth from growing in crooked. Cavities in baby teeth may lead to cavities in adult teeth. Here are some tips to keep your baby’s gums and teeth healthy:
• Clean your baby's gums every night before bed with a moist cloth or a small soft toothbrush.
• Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when your baby’s teeth first come in.
• Lift your baby’s lips once a month to look carefully at his or her teeth. If you notice white or brown spots or bleeding gums, visit the dentist or doctor.
• Remove your nipple from your baby’s mouth if your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding. Formula or milk that stays in your baby's mouth while sleeping may cause cavities.
• Avoid sharing your toothbrush, eating utensils, and cups with your baby. Germs that cause tooth decay may easily spread from your mouth to your baby’s mouth.
• Have your baby’s teeth checked by a dentist or doctor by age one.