Important Dental Tips for Children Ages 0-3
The Panorama
When a baby is born, the mother is usually overwhelmed with their new responsibilities. There are three important things to remember during this stage.
About Fluoride
At about 6 months old, she should ask the pediatrician about fluoride supplements for the baby. Depending on the amount of fluoride in drinking water and whether the mother is breastfeeding or bottle feeding, your doctor may prescribe fluoride drops or a combination of vitamin-fluoride for your baby. Fluoride affects teeth and permanent teeth are forming as to make them stronger and more resistant to decay. All recipes must continue taking fluoride to the end because the ingested fluoride at this age can prevent cavities in the future. If drinking water is not fluoridated, or if the family uses bottled water for drinking and cooking, these supplements should continue until the child turns 16 years old and all the permanent teeth are formed.
Preventing “Early Childhood Caries”
The second important thing to remember with a newborn is NOT to let them sleep with a bottle. It is MUCH easier than ever to start with this bad habit to stop it when baby teeth start coming. Letting a baby sleep with a bottle or breastfeed continuously, can cause serious tooth decay, called “early childhood caries.” It is important to note that while many experts agree breastfeeding is healthier for your baby, breast milk can cause early childhood caries as whole milk or formula.
The early childhood caries are characterized by a unique pattern of decay starting with the upper front teeth and followed by the primary molars, in the order of eruption. This disease can result in tooth decay, pain, tooth loss, infection and insomnia.
Cleaning your baby’s gums
The third message to this age group is to educate people who care for the baby to clean her gums daily. After feeding, the baby caretaker must use a damp cloth, finger cot or clean gauze to gently clean baby’s gums and tongue. If your baby has teeth before six months, be sure to clean well. The oral health of the mother is also important. It is also important for the mother to continue caring for their own teeth, for their own welfare and health of your baby. Recent research shows that the more unfilled cavities in the mother, more cavity-causing germs have. These germs that cause cavities can be passed to the baby daily contact such as sharing food and let the baby insert your fingers into the mouth of his mother. This is another reason to fill cavities. To remember: 1. Clean baby’s gums daily 2. Protect the baby sleep with a bottle 3. Ask your doctor or dentist about fluoride supplements.