Did you know your infant’s smile is vulnerable to tooth decay? Well, it’s true. In fact, cavities are so common in infant smiles that it’s called baby bottle tooth decay. So, it’s important to take good care of your child’s smile so they don’t suffer from this issue. To help you do so, Dr. James Gunelson and our dental team have some helpful tips and tricks you can use.
Clean and strengthen the chompers
At the beginning of your child’s life when they don’t have any teeth, it’s best to wipe their gums with a clean, wet washcloth after each meal. When their first tooth erupts from the gums, brush it once a day. As you brush, use a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. You can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when they turn 2 years old. Once two teeth grow in next to each other, floss between those two teeth daily. To make sure your child’s teeth are strong, expose them to fluoride each day.
Take advantage of dental treatments
It’s recommended to bring your child into Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC to visit Dr. James Gunelson around their first birthday or six months after their first tooth grows into the smile. These appointments are beneficial for both you and your child. This is a great opportunity to ask questions as well as help your child feel comfortable in the dental chair.
Avoid sugar
As you may already know, sugar is the cause of many cavities. So, it’s important to keep sugar away from your child as much as possible. You can do so by refraining from filling your child’s bottle with juice or another sugary drink and by refraining from sending your child to bed with a beverage that is high in sugar. Lastly, don’t cover your child’s pacifier with sugar or honey before giving it to them.
For more information and details on how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay in Stanley, Wisconsin, please call Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC at your earliest convenience. When you call 715-644-3601, our dental team will be more than happy to help you. We look forward to hearing from you!