Dental Advice for New Parents

Do you know that your new baby’s teeth have actually started to form in the jawbone even before birth? Yes, it is the fact and you must look after your new baby's dental health right from the baby's birth.

You would just brush off your kid's dental care, if you have to deal with a squirmy or uncooperative tot; but there are a few reasons that make it a top priority to take care of a new born dental wellbeing. Research shows that poor dental health can become a major reason for life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and some other. Such problems can start even at early ages, if dental health is not taken care of in childhood.

Usually, a baby’s first baby teeth or primary teeth start erupting at about six months of age but in extreme cases, this can occur as early as baby's birth or as late as baby's first birthday! Teething of babies often results in many sleepless nights for their parents and thus, most of parents are well aware of this important milestone in development of their babies.

Even before your baby's teeth appear in mouth, it is advisable to wipe their gums gently with a moistened soft cloth once a day. However, once the primary teeth start appearing in mouth, you can also start using a toothbrush that is specially designed for babies. Do not forget to massage baby's teeth and gums gently with plain water and toothbrush till the baby becomes 18 months old. After 18 months of age, it's advisable to use mild toothpaste as per the dentist's advice. Make sure you brush your baby's teeth once a day, after the last feed.

Once you start feeding your baby with bottled milk, the most important thing to remember is to never let your baby sleep with a mouthful of milk, with a bottle in mouth when the baby falls asleep. This leads to the milk bottle syndrome and causes childhood cavities and tooth decay.

According to Australian Dental Association, the very first dental visit of a baby should be right at the age of one year.

At Odontocare Dental Health Clinic, we offer the best dental health services and advice for people from all ages. If you are pregnant and want a special dental care plan for you to follow during pregnancy and for your baby after birth, we can help you! Our dentist Hurstbridge and dentist Diamond Creek are best known for their special dental care services for infants, children, adolescents, and teens.