Taking care of dental health is essential and should begin even before your baby's first teeth emerge. Surprised? Stay tuned, because while brushing, the first dental appointment, and a healthy diet are essentials for cavity prevention and other oral health issues, there are other aspects you shouldn’t overlook. In the following article, we share recommendations to help keep your little adventurer’s teeth healthy and beautiful.
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When to start caring for the baby's teeth

Although your baby’s teeth aren’t visible at birth or during the first few months, their 20 primary teeth are already present inside the gums. It won’t be until a few months later—around five or six months —that you’ll start to see teeth begin to emerge. You don’t need to wait for them to appear; good dental hygiene is important from birth, even if the teeth aren’t visible yet.

Why are baby teeth important

Your baby’s first teeth are called baby teeth. Once they have erupted, they will gradually fall out to make way for permanent teeth. Even though they aren’t permanent, it’s essential to care for them because their condition can influence future dental health , as well as gum health and chewing. Sleep quality can also worsen if dental hygiene isn’t maintained. Additionally, healthy baby teeth support proper language development and help build self-esteem as your child grows.

6 tips to take care of your dental health

1) Use a toothbrush for each stage: You can start cleaning your little adventurer’s gums from the first weeks of life. To do this, wash your
hands and wrap a clean, sterilized gauze pad moistened with cold water
around your index finger. Then, gently rub in a slight
massage. This will clean your baby’s mouth, and it can also soothe them when teething begins
and their teeth start to come through.

The eruption of your baby’s first teeth usually coincides with complementary feeding. During this stage, you can start using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head suitable for their age. And remember: you should change the toothbrush
every three months, or as soon as the bristles begin to separate.

2) Choose an appropriate toothpaste: Toothpaste can be introduced
around three years old. Not before, because your child still can’t
spit and could swallow it. At this age, a small amount of toothpaste is
enough. To help your little adventurer get the right amount of
fluoride, choose a toothpaste designed for their age group.
Manufacturers adjust the amount of fluoride in these products to help avoid excess.

3) Use the correct tooth brushing technique: There are two techniques for cleaning your baby’s teeth: making small circular movements or brushing vertically, from the gum to the tip of the tooth. It’s important not to press too hard or brush horizontally, as both practices can harm the gums. As for frequency, you can brush their teeth once a day during the first few months. From the age of one, as the variety of foods increases, you can brush their teeth after each main meal. Remember that nighttime brushing is the most important, because bacteria mainly attack the teeth at night.

4) Be consistent and create a routine: Teach your little adventurer good dental habits to help ensure healthy teeth throughout life. The sooner they get used to brushing, the faster it will become part of their daily routine. In the end, it’s about creating healthy habits that feel normal and easy to maintain, making it less likely they’ll abandon them as they grow older or develop resistance. Just as they’ll get used to washing their face upon waking, they can also get used to daily brushing.

5) Remember that leading by example is the first step: Children learn by imitation, and since family is their first and most important reference, it’s essential
to set a good example. Sometimes, it’s true that this can feel like an overwhelming
responsibility, but it’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing it
as well as you can, with the circumstances you have. If you eat
healthily, stay active, take care of your rest and your
friendships, and maintain good hygiene habits, it’s likely that your
little adventurer will carry them throughout life. Is it worth it,
really? Take the opportunity to brush your teeth too when you brush your baby’s teeth.

6) The first visit to the dentist: sooner than you think: Regular visits to the dentist are essential for caring for your baby’s teeth. It’s recommended to schedule the first appointment at one year old. The main goal of this first visit is, above all, to familiarize your child with the dental office environment. Generally, no treatment is performed unless necessary. The dentist will also check for cavities or early dental abnormalities.

It will also be an opportunity to inform parents about oral hygiene procedures and to educate the child according to their age. Therefore, it’s important to schedule this appointment before your little adventurer has a real dental problem. This will help them feel more confident if they need to return to the dentist for more significant procedures.

Before the appointment, don’t hesitate to schedule the visit in advance to make it as smooth as possible. It’s a big step into the unknown for your little adventurer, which can be intimidating! Reassure your child by explaining that they will see the dentist and that the dentist will check their mouth to see if everything is growing well. Don’t give too many details to avoid worrying them. After the visit, congratulate them on their bravery!