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Taking Care of Your Infant's Teeth

by Amy A. Napierala, D.D.S.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Even though baby teeth aren't meant to last forever, it is essential that you start good dental habits early to keep your baby's mouth healthy. You can use clean, damp gauze to remove the plaque and food debris from his teeth after feedings, or a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothpaste usually is not necessary before the age of two years, unless specifically recommended by your pediatric dentist.

Infants can develop cavities if their teeth are not properly cleaned after eating. Without appropriate tooth cleaning, extended exposure to milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened drinks in a bottle or sippy cup can promote cavities. This type of decay is commonly called baby-bottle caries, or early-childhood decay.

You can help your child avoid baby-bottle caries if you follow a few simple rules:

  • Never put your baby down to bed or a nap with a bottle.
  • Don't give him a pacifier that has been dipped in honey or any other sugary substance.
  • Don't let him have unlimited access to sweetened liquids throughout the day.
  • Once your baby has teeth, encourage him to drink water in between feedings. Take the bottle or cup away once he is done.
  • A good rule of thumb is to wean your child from the bottle by 12 to 14 months of age.
  • Your child should start seeing a pediatric dentist within six months after his first tooth emerges (usually around his first birthday). After that, he should be brought in twice a year for a thorough examination and cleaning.

Remember that this advice also applies to breastfed babies, since children who fall asleep while breastfeeding can develop cavities from the sugars in the milk.



 RELATED INFORMATION
*  Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
*  Dental Care


Created December 16, 2000
Reviewed December 20, 2000
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