Oral Health Tips for Infants

Dr. Kami Hoss, a renowned dental practitioner, says that a significant part of an individual's oral health comes from childhood habits. Thus, it is essential to start teaching children to practice good oral health from an early age. Here are some tips on how to do so.

The first step is to ensure that your child's mouth is clean. A baby's teeth usually develop during the second trimester of its mother's pregnancy and start appearing at the age of one. Even before the teeth have erupted, parents can take necessary steps toward oral hygiene. This can be done by gently wiping their gums with a wet cloth or damp soft gauze after each feeding. It ensures that bacteria cannot breed inside the mouth. As the child starts to teethe, a soft-bristled toothbrush can then be used to brush their teeth, explains Dr. Kami Hoss.

Cleaning the mouth after feeding may not suffice in preventing bacteria buildup and tooth decay in infants. It is also important to avoid feeding the baby directly before bedtime. The residue can coat the teeth and lead to cavities or the erosion of the teeth's protective layer. If the baby has to be given a bottle before sleeping, it is best to use water instead of juice or milk.

In a similar vein, parents should restrict the use of feeding bottles. If possible, transition the child to a cup as early as 18 months old. The habit of sucking on a feeding bottle for too long is bad for a child's oral health, with the possible effects including tooth decay, crooked teeth, and suboptimal shape of the games, explains Dr. Kami Hoss. It is also crucial to avoid using bottles as a pacifier, although the results may initially seem favorable. The bottle should be used for feeding and nothing else.

<a href="https://twitter.com/KamiHossUS">Kami Hoss</a>, DDS, MS, is a renowned author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the dentistry industry. He is the CEO of the pediatric dentistry practice The Super Dentists, which teaches children about good oral hygiene through a variety of activities. Learn more about Dr. Hoss <a href="https://www.thesuperdentists.com/dental-team/kami-hoss-dds/">here</a>.