Tooth Cleaning Starts in the Crib

Immediately after a baby is born, parents can start to do something about their child’s dental health.  Specialists’ in pediatric dentistry advise parents to start cleaning the baby’s mouth even before his/her teeth start erupting.

A simple technique can be used to clean a baby’s mouth, anywhere or anytime, beginning at 4-5 months of age.  Here’s what to do:

• Wrap a piece of gauze, a square of about two inches, around your index finger or between your thumb and forefinger.  Dampen the gauze with warm water, then gently wipe the gum pads in your child’s mouth.  These gum pads are covered with the same tissue that covers newly emergent teeth.  By keeping the gum pads clean, you can remove food residues and reduce the oral bacteria that can form in the mouth.
• Continue using the gauze pad when the child’s first teeth emerge.  After the child grows older and more teeth appear, then use a small soft bristled toothbrush.  The best way to help the baby during this exercise is to keep his/her head in your lap, feet pointing away.
• Clean your baby’s teeth twice a day, after breakfast and after the last meal in the evening.  If can be done anywhere – a bedroom, den, or where you and your child are most comfortable.

At age three, children usually have all 20 of their primary teeth.  This is the time to begin involving the child in the habit of brushing his/her own teeth.  A general rule to follow:

Age 3 through 6

Allow your child to brush his/her own teeth, but parents must brush for their child at least once each day.

Age 7 through 11

Allow your child to brush 2-3 times each day. Begin flossing daily.  Use fluoride-containing oral rinse at bedtime.  Parents should supervise their child’s brushing routine at least once per day.

Age 12 and older

Your child should be able to brush effectively 2-3 times each day without parental supervision. Continue daily flossing and use of bedtime fluoride-containing mouth rinse.

If motivating your youngster to brush is a problem, ask Dr. Geshay or his staff to become involved in counseling him/her with these matters.  What is most important is to get the child to do as much brushing as possible.  Until proper dexterity is developed, you should assist your child.  A good indicator of such ability is whether or not your child can handle a knife and fork, or tie his/her own shoes.  If not, he/she is going to need your help.  You and your child can make this a fun-filled family activity – and you both will be rewarded when the result is no cavities.