Keeping babys mouth healthy
Bringing a new baby home represents a huge learning curve. With all the other factors demanding your attention, you may take the health of your baby’s mouth for granted. However, this is crucial and must not be overlooked. From the moment he takes his first breath, a baby’s mouth becomes a valued tool. He will use this highly sensitive part of his body not only to eat, but also to meet his mother and to explore the fascinating world around him.
TEETH AND TEETHING
The crowns of all 20 baby teeth, or milk teeth, are already formed in the gums before birth. This naturally means that a mother’s healthy diet during pregnancy is the first contributing factor to baby’s healthy teeth. Calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D and vitamin C are all vital components of healthy dental development.
Although teething is a key part of an infant’s development, it is not always the happiest event for the baby – or parents - concerned. From about six months, the first teeth erupt. By the age of twelve months, most babies have about eight milk teeth. Teething will continue until all twenty milk teeth have erupted by about the age of three. It is worth noting that teething occurs at different rates for each child and some children may vary greatly from the averages described. This is not cause for concern. If no teeth have erupted in the first year, ask your dentist or paediatrician for advice as in extreme cases this could indicate a nutritional problem or a systemic condition.
CLEANING BABY’S TEETH
It is important to start taking care of your baby’s teeth as soon as they erupt. The first tooth brings with it the immediate risk of tooth decay. Keep a watchful eye over your baby’s teeth – spots or stains on the teeth are cause for concern, as healthy teeth should be a uniform colour.
The bacteria that cause tooth decay can grow quickly if they are not removed. Clean your baby’s teeth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. Use a soft, clean cloth or a baby toothbrush – without toothpaste. Once your toddler has a mouthful of pearly whites, start to brush them with a small amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste. To ensure a good cleaning, help your child to brush his teeth. Once the teeth are clean, encourage him to have a turn so that he gets used to handling the toothbrush. Be sure to set a healthy example and let your child watch you brush your teeth daily.
WHY IS A HEALTHY MOUTH SO IMPORTANT?
The most obvious reason for proper dental hygiene is to avoid painful, unsightly tooth decay. A baby also truly needs those healthy teeth – not only for chewing food, but for forming words correctly and thereby learning to speak clearly.
Milk teeth also fulfil the important task of saving space for permanent teeth to grow into.
DIET
The surest route to an unhealthy mouth is an unhealthy diet. Foods loaded with sugar are a tooth’s worst enemy. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or juice as the sugar content can lead to painful tooth decay. From about twelve months, juice should only be served in a cup and a baby should never be allowed to suck endlessly on a bottle of juice for comfort. Never dip a dummy into anything sweet before offering it to baby.
A baby’s permanent teeth start forming a few months after birth. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your baby always has a nutritious diet, especially once he has progressed from a primarily milk-based diet and is eating solid food.
WHAT ABOUT THE DENTIST?
Dentists generally recommend that a baby has his first dental check up by the age of one, to ensure that dental hygiene and development is as it should be. Your dentist is also the best person to advise you regarding fluoride. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in preventing tooth decay, but the amount we take in through drinking water is often sufficient. Your dentist may advise you to supplement with fluoride drops.
