First visit to the dentist and dental care at home

Key Points

1. Dental care for babies is important to promote healthy teeth and mouth development.
2. The first teeth to appear are the two lower front teeth, around 6-12 months old.
3. Before the first tooth appears, wipe the baby’s gums with a damp gauze twice a day to prepare for brushing.
4. Brush the baby’s teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pinch of fluoride toothpaste, and avoid letting them sleep with a bottle of milk or juice to prevent cavities.

Children’s teeth will form their mouth, help them chew well, and speak clearly. Although their teeth are not permanent and that they’re going to fall off eventually, it is very important to promote dental care for babies at home.

Recount of the teething process

Normally the first teeth to appear are the first two lower front teeth. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the first tooth may come out between your baby’s 6th and 12th month, and as soon as it appears, it requires special attention and care.

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You may be wondering if you need to take your baby to the dentist since the appearance of their first tooth. Experts have many different opinions about this; however, they agree that before they’re one year old —and after their first tooth appearance— your baby must have their first visit. With this in mind, you can decide to take precautions at home before taking your baby to the dentist.

Dental care for my baby

Before your little one is three months old, you can wipe their gums with a damp or gauze twice a day, so they get ready for brushing as soon as their first tooth appears. If your little one doesn’t have their teeth in six months, don’t worry about it —it’s just a matter of time. They will soon make their appearance!

When the first tooth appears, buy a toothbrush for babies, making sure the bristles are extra soft.

• To wash their teeth, use a pinch of fluoride toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice.
• Gently pass the toothbrush through your child’s mouth, cleaning their small teeth very well.
• Don’t worry about rinsing their mouth. If you make sure that you use very little toothpaste there won’t be a problem.
• Brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning after breakfast and once in the evening after dinner or their night feeding.
• Finally, don’t let your baby sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in their crib; this can cause cavities.

Why should I clean my baby’s teeth?

It is very important to clean your baby’s teeth as traces of milk or pieces of food can remain in their mouth, causing the growth of bacteria and the release of acid that can lead to cavities. Also, beginning to clean their teeth from this early age will encourage healthy habits. This helps to make an easy transition when your child is old enough to brush their teeth alone.