Even though your baby’s new teeth will only be around for a short period, it’s vital that you take care of them. Bear in mind that temporary teeth can affect your baby’s’ gums and permanent teeth. To ensure that your baby’s teeth will get the best care, here are some practical tips.
Start Cleaning Before Teeth Come In
After every feeding, clean your baby’s gums using a wet washcloth or a dampened gauze that’s wrapped around your finger. Soft rubbery devices are also great in removing and rubbing off excess food.
Use a Clean Gauze
It’s easier to clean the baby’s teeth with a muslin or gauze than using a toothbrush. Wrap the gauze around your finger. Make sure that you put a smear of toothpaste on it. Then, rub it gently on your baby’s teeth.
A baby toothbrush may also be used. But ensure that it’s made of soft nylon bristles. It must have a small head to find in your child’s little mouth. Having a small head brush allows you to reach all parts of his/her mouth easily.
Just like an adult toothbrush, change your baby’s toothbrush every one to three months.
Use Toothpaste for Babies
The best toothpaste for your baby is the one that contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay. But use a fluoride toothpaste that has 1,000 ppm of fluoride. Don’t use your family toothpaste as it contains 1,350 of fluoride. You can also use it when he/she turns three years old.
When you use toothpaste, make sure that it’s not more than a smear. A thin film of paste will be okay. Then, teach your baby to spit after cleaning his/her teeth. At first, he/she won’t oblige. Don’t worry as it takes a while to make him/her get the hang of it.
Get Into the Habit of Brushing
Encourage your baby to get into the habit of brushing at least twice a day. You can do it once in the morning and before bed or after he/she had his/her last drink.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Sugar is one of the main culprits of tooth decay. Be mindful of how much is eaten or drunk throughout the day. Thus, offer your baby fruits and vegetables. Feed him/her sugary food at mealtimes only. It will give him/her several hours between the times to eat something sweet.
What to do with the pain?
While your baby’s new teeth are emerging, allow him/her to wear amber teething necklaces to ease his/her discomfort. Choose amber teething necklaces that are made from the highest-quality Baltic amber as they contain sufficient amount of succinct acid that soothes teeth babies.
