Baby Tooth Care Tips

I took my 4-year-old to the dentist earlier this summer and found out that he had a cavity. Because of this, I have been very thorough about cleaning my 20-month-old’s teeth. I started researching the subject and found it’s really a hot topic out there. There’s a lot of information available, and it can get a little confusing. I’ve put together a list of baby tooth care tips that seem to be pretty universal.

• Even though your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, it’s not too early to start cleaning her mouth. Wipe down gums with a washcloth to clean any excess food. Or you can get one of those soft rubber brush thingies that fit over your index finger.
• As soon as teeth come in, you need to start cleaning them right away. Even though they’re going to fall out anyhow, if they are not cared for properly they can decay and affect the spacing of the permanent teeth.
• Follow meals with water. Most food residue can be washed off by drinking some water.
• Add fluoride supplements if your water isn’t fluoridated. Check with your pediatrician first of course, since you’ll need a prescription. Most tap water is fluoridated, but some, like the stuff we get in Novato from the North Marin Water District, is not.

For additional tips, here’s a good article from Parent’s Magazine: "7 Tips on Baby Tooth Care"