Baby Oral Health Tips Via The ADA

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Dental News
Seeing as how February is National Children's Dental Health Month (and you thought it was only Black History month), the American Dental Association (ADA) has issued several tips on the importance that proper dental care plays in the future health of children, in particular when they're still babies.

The ADA recommends that parents act proactively in this critic stage of a child's development to insure the health of their children's teeth because attitudes and habits established at such an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy your child's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, including breast milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting baby bottle tooth decay.

* Begin clearing your baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.

* Never allow your child to nurse or breast feed for prolonged periods and don't give him or her a bottle with milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night in bed.

* Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose sensible, nutritious snacks.

* Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

* Discourage frequent use of a training cup.

Baby's First Dentist Visit
The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatment provide your child with "smile" insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal and restorations may be small. When necessary, X-rays are taken to see how the teeth are developing and to spot hidden decay.

Related Blog Posts
New Perinatal And Infant Oral Health Guidelines ( June 14, 2009 )
Back To School Means Back To The Dentist Too ( July 27, 2008 )