When is the right time to start taking care of your
baby's teeth? According to the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry, children as young as six months
are susceptible to tooth decay, which means that you
should start right away! Parents are encouraged to
begin brushing their children's teeth as soon as the
first one appears. It does not hurt to brush even before
then. Gently wiping your baby's gums with a soft cloth or
with a soft children's toothbrush and water as early as
birth will help to remove plaque acids and, ultimately,
help to prevent tooth decay.
Guarding Against Tooth Decay
Early childhood caries, or "baby bottle tooth decay,"
is a serious, but preventable childhood problem that can result
in tooth loss, problems eating, speaking and even learning.
However, there is help. Brush your child's teeth twice per
day, particularly after sugary meals and drinks with a
children's fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid putting your child down for naps or at bedtime with
anything other than plain water. Formula, fruit juice and even
breast milk contain natural sugars that have the potential to
lead to tooth decay. If your child needs comforting, offer a
clean, plain pacifier rather than a bottle or the breast. As
your child approaches their first birthday, encourage them to
drink from a cup rather than from a bottle.
Developing Healthy Habits
Not only does early tooth brushing help to prevent tooth decay,
it also sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
Though they are temporary, baby or primary teeth are equally
important as permanent teeth, as they hold space for permanent
teeth to grow.
To make sure your children's teeth are as healthy as possible,
parents are not only encouraged to brush their children's
teeth, but also to floss, provide a well-balanced diet and
to limit sugary snacks. Furthermore, you can use your TRICARE
Dental Program benefit and arrange for your child to visit the
dentist by his/her first birthday. This not only helps to
familiarize your child with the dentist, but also helps to
identify and treat potential dental problems early on.
