Cavity Prevention for Babies

Cavity prevention should actually start before teeth appear.

In fact, baby teeth develop during the second trimester of pregnancy, and approximately 20 teeth are present in the jaw at birth. For cavity prevention before teeth appear, use a damp washcloth to wipe a baby’s gums after breast feeding or bottle feeding. Regular wiping of the gums can help prevent the buildup of bacteria, and it can help get your baby accustomed to regular oral care.

Cavity Prevention For Baby Teeth

Once baby teeth appear, your cavity prevention plan can include a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants and toddlers. Avoid using toothpaste at this point; just moisten the brush and gently clean the teeth and gums. Also avoid putting a baby to sleep with a bottle. Exposure to sugars in milk or juice overnight can damage developing tooth enamel, making cavity prevention more difficult.

The American Dental Association recommends that children get off to a good start with cavity prevention by having their first dental visit no later than their first birthday. Consider a pediatric dentist if your regular dentist does not treat many infants and small children. During most initial visits, you will hold the baby on your lap while the dentist examines his or her mouth.

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