by Luis A. Cruz, D.M.D.

When it comes to caring for an infant, most parents are well aware of the need for routine pediatrician visits as part of their baby’s healthcare regimen. What’s less well-recognized is the importance that early and regular dental care play. For optimal oral health, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that dental visits begin within 6 month of the appearance of a child’s first tooth as an effective way to kick-start a lifelong program of preventing dental disease.  

Despite the fact that baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth, it’s important that they remain healthy and in place until they’re lost naturally since they serve several critical functions, including:

• Fostering good nutrition by permitting proper chewing;
• Aiding speech development;
• Helping permanent teeth by saving space for them; and
• Creating self-esteem – a healthy smile helps children feel good about how they look to others.

Decay-Fighting Tips

In addition to regular dental visits, there are many things parents can do to help their children prevent tooth decay:

• Brush your child’s gums twice a day with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush and water even before the first tooth appears.
• Talk to your pediatric dentist about your child’s fluoride needs. Infants require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong, and children who primarily drink bottled water may not be getting the fluoride they need.
• If you must put your child to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water – other beverages can damage teeth, leading to cavities.
• Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.
• The best times for your child to brush are after breakfast and before bed.
• Limit frequency of snacking, which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.
• Take good care of your own teeth. Studies show that babies and small children can “catch” cavity-causing bacteria from their parents.

Proper oral care is important in ensuring children enjoy overall good health. The AAPD encourages all caregivers to support proper oral care at home and to make sure all children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.