Having a new baby at home can come with lots of challenges–one of them being how to properly take care of your little one’s teeth. Because babies’ teeth don’t appear until around six to eight months of age, it’s a natural misconception that they don’t need dental care. Taking proper steps when your baby is an infant will help them maintain good oral health in the future.

Make caring for your baby’s teeth and gums a part of your daily regimen by following these guidelines to ensure proper oral hygiene for them:
Birth to Six Months: Cleaning your infant’s gums is as important as cleaning their teeth later on. Wrap a clean, moistened washcloth around your index finger and gently massage his or her gums.
Six to 12 Months. After teeth begin to appear, it’s time to switch to a soft, children’s toothbrush for teeth cleaning. Fluoride toothpaste is safe and recommended for use once your baby’s first tooth arrives. Gently brush your baby’s teeth after each feeding, in the morning, and before bedtime.
Before Bedtime: One of the most important things you can do to protect your infant from tooth decay is to avoid the habit of putting baby to bed with a bottle. Use other soothing bedtime activities, such as rocking your baby, to help them drift off to sleep.
Since your baby should receive his or her first dental health check up by the age of six months, Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County is here for you! We offer a caring and compassionate approach to pediatric dentistry, ensuring our patients are comfortable at all times. To learn more about our practice visit us here, or give us a call at 631-320-0880 to schedule an appointment today!