Important Dental Tips for Your Child
0-6 months
We Know You're Overwhelmed
Just remember these 3 things at this stage!
1. Clean Your Baby's Gums (video to the right)
Make sure to clean your babies' gums daily
After feedings you should:
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Use a clean, damp washcloth, finger cot or gauze square to gently wipe baby's gums and tongue
(if you get them used to having their mouth cleaned, it will be easier to introduce them to
a toothbrush)
2. If your baby has teeth before 6 months, make sure to CLEAN them too
2. Is Fluoride Needed?
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At this stage, you, as a parent, should ask your baby's doctor about fluoride usage.
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Fluoride helps prevent cavities and affects the baby's permanent teeth while they are forming
to make them stronger.
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So depending on the amount of fluoride in your local drinking water and whether or not the baby
is being breast-fed, the doctor may subscribe fluoride drops or a fluoride vitamin for the baby.
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These supplements should be continued until the child is 16 and all permanent teeth are formed.
3. How Do I Prevent Childhood Cavities?
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A VERY important tool to remember is to NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Why start a bad habit? It is MUCH easier to never start it than to try and stop it when the baby
starts teething. Try and have them drink water if anything.
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Breast-feeding CONTINUOUSLY can also cause serious dental cavities. Formula and milk do to!
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Early Childhood Cavities can cause pain, tooth loss, infections, and loss of sleep.
4. Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay!
**Don't forget that a mother's oral health is important too! Don't forget that cavities from a mother can be passed to their child through sharing food, letting your baby stick their fingers in your mouth, and more.
REMEMBER:
1. Clean baby's gums daily
2. Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle
3. Ask your doctor or dentist about fluoride supplements
Adapted from:
http://www.dentalcaretoday.net/index.asp?f=childdentaltips
and
Washington State Department of Health
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