When should you begin cleaning your baby’s mouth and teeth? The sooner
the better. Starting at birth, clean your baby’s gums with a clean,
damp washcloth. As soon as teeth erupt, begin cleaning them teeth
can begin to decay as soon as they come in. Again, use a moistened cloth
or a small, soft-bristled toothbrush at least once a day, preferably
just before bedtime. Healthy teeth should be all one color. If you see
spots or stains on the teeth, take your baby to a dentist. When most
of your child’s teeth are in, at about the age of 2, you can add a small
drop of toothpaste to the brush. Also, ask your doctor or dentist if
you need to use fluoride drops for your baby’s teeth. Well known for
its use in preventing tooth decay, fluoride may not be added to your
town’s water supply.
Around the time of your baby’s first birthday, call your dentist and ask
when you should come in for the first checkup. Pediatric dentists usually
want to see a child between the ages of 1 and 2 and then twice a year
thereafter. At this first visit, the dentist will quickly check your baby’s
teeth and answer any questions about your child’s oral health.
a report from The NIH Word on Health, April 2001
To read more about keeping your child’s mouth healthy,
get a free copy of NIDCR’s A Healthy Mouth for Your Baby, available
in both English and Spanish, by writing to:
NIDCR Public Information and Liaison Branch
45 Center Drive, MSC 6400
Building 45, Room 4AS-19
Bethesda, MD 20892-6400
It can also be ordered from <nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov> and
is available for viewing or downloading at <http://www.nidr.nih.gov/news/pubs/hmouth/main.htm>.
For more information on this story; contact:
Betty Riley
Writer and Editor
NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison
Phone: 301-496-8855
Fax: 301-496-0019
E-mail: Betty.Riley@NIH.GOV
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