How Should Babies’ Oral Care Be Done?
A child’s first visit to the dentist should usually take place around the first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early diagnosis is the most important step in preventing future problems. At this first visit, parents are informed about their baby’s oral and dental care, and problems that can be detected early are assessed. The baby usually lies on the mother’s lap for a visual examination of the mouth. Habits such as thumb sucking and the use of dummies and bottles are also discussed, and parents are advised on how to change them.
Cleaning a baby’s teeth should start as soon as the first tooth appears. Finger brushes, a damp cloth, gauze or ready-made xylitol tooth wipes are the easiest options at this stage.
A clean cloth or piece of gauze dipped in boiled and cooled water can be used to gently wipe the inside of the cheeks and the top of the tongue, after each feed or once a day. During cleaning, check whether thrush has formed in the baby’s mouth. Bottles and spoons should also be kept hygienic.
As your baby grows and tolerates it, a soft baby toothbrush can be used without toothpaste or with a toothpaste suitable for ages 0–3. Special toothbrushes that are easy for babies to hold help them acquire this habit at a very early age.
Babies with sleeping problems should not be given milk with sugar or honey; such sugary drinks can cause tooth decay. Saliva flow decreases during sleep, so sugary food given before sleep is harmful to the teeth.