When should I start cleaning my infant’s mouth?
Above: An example of a finger brush for infants.
A Comprehensive Guide to Infant Dental Care: Nurturing Healthy Smiles from the Start
Caring for an infant's teeth is a vital aspect of their overall health and development. Despite the common misconception that baby teeth are temporary and not as crucial as permanent teeth, they play a significant role in speech development, proper nutrition, and the alignment of permanent teeth. In this article, I’ll explore essential tips and techniques for caring for an infant's mouth, from before the eruption of the first tooth to establishing good oral hygiene habits into the toddler years and beyond.
Understanding Infant Dental Development:
Infant dental development begins before birth, with tooth buds forming in the gums. By the time a baby is born, the primary teeth are already present beneath the gumline, awaiting eruption. The eruption typically begins around six months of age, although it can vary from child to child. Understanding the stages of dental development can help parents anticipate and prepare for their infant's oral care needs. <<See Figure 1 below. >>
Figure 1. Primary (baby) tooth eruption chart.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene from the Start:
Even before the first tooth emerges, parents can begin caring for their infant's oral health by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. To do this, start by washing your hands and gather a clean wash cloth, dip it into warm water and wrap one corner around your index (or pointer) finger. Making sure that your infant is on a safe surface, unable to fall down, or safe in your arms— touch your wash cloth wrapped finger to the lower lip of your infant. This often prompts them to open. Once you are able to enter the oral cavity, start by rubbing the tongue very gently in circular motions to help remove any bacteria from it. Try to reach gently underneath the tongue as well. Once the tongue has been wiped clean, remove the wash cloth, pick another clean portion to wrap around your finger and dip into warm water and reenter the mouth. This time, focusing on wiping the gums and the cheeks. Be sure to reach up into the folds of where the gums and cheek meet, as it is a popular location for bacteria to accumulate. It is recommended to do this after feedings, but let’s get real— We are often in survival mode in those early months of age while learning to be a new parent. So I say, do your best! If you can do this one-three times a day, that would be better than nothing at all.
If the wash cloth is something that you find too difficult to use or you would like to try another product, try this finger brush (or browse my recommended products tab for more options) and follow the same instructions above to wipe clean the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks and gums.
Once the first tooth erupts, it's time to transition to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride or fluoride-free toothpaste- which I will leave up to you. —The “fluoride free” statement may be a controversial one, as many dental professionals will say to use a toothpaste with fluoride in it, however this is my personal and professional opinion. I prefer to wait on introducing fluoride, until the child is old enough to properly spit, if you choose to introduce it at all. The main key is to not use too much, as it can cause discoloration of the teeth as they continue to erupt. See CDC Fluoride recommendations here. For infants and toddlers that are unable to spit, you should use only a small smear of toothpaste- approximately the size of a grain of rice (just assume your child will be swallowing all of it- because chance are- they will be at first).
Nevertheless, brushing should be done twice daily, using gentle circular motions to clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums. If the child only has teeth in the front, it is important to focus on these, but to not forget to wipe the gums in the bask, the cheeks and the tongue.
Establishing Healthy Feeding Habits:
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in dental health, especially during infancy. Avoiding sugary beverages and snacks can help prevent early childhood tooth decay, also known as baby bottle tooth decay. Instead, opt for breast milk, formula, or water for hydration, and limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. If bottle-feeding, never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water to prevent prolonged exposure to sugars. This can lead to a very rampant rate of decay in young children. Click here for more information on baby bottle tooth decay.
Introducing Healthy Teething Practices:
Teething can be a challenging time for both infants and parents, but there are several strategies to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy teething. Providing a clean, chilled teething ring or washcloth for the baby to chew on can help soothe sore gums. Avoid teething gels or medications containing benzocaine, as they can be harmful if ingested. Instead, consult with a pediatrician or dentist for safe pain relief options.
The picture above is my older daughter coming into my work for me to perform her first dental cleaning at age 2.5 (She did great!!!)
Scheduling Regular Dental Check-ups:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling the first dental visit within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by the child's first birthday, whichever comes first. However, if you read my blog post on a Child’s First Dental Visit you would know that I disagree with this recommendation and feel that a more appropriate age would be between two and three years of age, as I feel they will have a better introduction and first experience when they are able to understand a little more about what is going on. There are exceptions to this recommended age though, and that is if you are concerned with something developmentally or can see discoloration of a tooth or of course as a result of an injury, which I cover more in the blog post linked above. Early dental visits not only allow the dentist to monitor dental development but also provide an opportunity to educate parents on proper oral care techniques and address any concerns.
Promoting Healthy Oral Habits at Home:
In addition to regular dental visits, parents can promote healthy oral habits at home by modeling good behavior and creating a positive oral care routine. Encourage children to brush their teeth twice daily, floss once a day, and rinse with water after meals. Make oral hygiene fun by incorporating songs, games, and rewards to instill a lifelong habit of caring for their teeth and gums. I encourage you to check out my instagram page for videos of me cleaning my children’s teeth with some fun games and songs!
Conclusion:
Caring for an infant's oral health is a responsibility that begins even before the first tooth emerges. By implementing preventive measures, establishing healthy feeding and teething practices, scheduling regular dental check-ups, and promoting good oral hygiene habits at home, parents can help ensure their child's dental health from infancy through adulthood. Remember, a healthy smile starts early, so start nurturing those pearly whites from the very beginning.
For recommend products for infants-toddlers, please check out the recommended products tab of this website.