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Establish Good Habits Before Their First Birthday
Just like well-baby check-ups at the physician's office,
you should schedule your baby's first dental check-up with
a dentist before his or her first birthday. The first dental
visit can be as early as when the first tooth comes in,
but by the first birthday is a good rule to follow.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Dental problems can begin early. One of the biggest
concerns is "Early Childhood Caries," commonly
known as "baby bottle tooth decay". This condition
presents as extensive cavities and can result from
putting your baby to bed with a bottle or allowing
at-will, nighttime nursing. Treatment of baby bottle
tooth decay often involves costly care in an operating
room under general anesthesia, which can be traumatic
for both baby and parent.
Here are some tips to avoid tooth decay due to Early Childhood Caries:
- Don't put your children to bed with a bottle.
- At-will nighttime nursing should be avoided after baby's first tooth erupts.
- Encourage your child to drink from a cup as he or she approaches the first birthday.
- Avoid nighttime breast-feeding after the first tooth erupts.
- Avoid putting juice in your baby's bottle.
Baby Those Baby Teeth
It is important to take good care of your child's
primary teeth, or baby teeth, until they are lost
naturally. Baby teeth not only help your child chew
food, but also play an important role in speech
development and save a space for permanent teeth
so they can grow in properly.
Even before your baby's first tooth comes in, you
can practice good dental habits at home by cleaning
his or her gums with a soft infant toothbrush and
water. You can also use a soft washcloth. Most
small children do not have the dexterity to brush
their own teeth. Check with your dentist as to when
you should start using fluoridated toothpaste on your
child.
Monitor Thumb Sucking
Thumb and finger sucking is perfectly normal,
and most children will stop on their own around
age 2. If they don't stop on their own, you s
hould encourage them to stop, especially after
age 4. Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can
result in crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems.
Ask your dentist or physician for tips to help your
child stop their habit. Remember, while thumb,
finger and pacifier sucking may all affect your
child's teeth the same way, a pacifier habit may
be easier to break than the others.
Prevention is the Key
At this early age, prevention is the key to a healthy
smile and good dental habits as an adolescent and an
adult. To locate a dentist, visit Find a Dentist or
call 1-800-866-8499.
If living overseas, contact your overseas dental treatment
facility or TRICARE Area Office for (TAO) assistance.
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