Newborn Dental Care After & Before First Tooth

As mums, we may tend to think that dental care should begin after the first tooth – well, that’s not correct. Dental hygiene is essential from day one and there is a lot you can do on your own. Taking care of infant gum pads is quite easy. For starters, here are some ground rules…

Dental Care Before the First tooth:

• After every feed, wipe the upper and lower gum pads with sterile cotton – very gently. The cotton must be soaked in lukewarm water, which is boiled. 
• Avoids using any sort of chemicals to clean the gum pads. 
• Don’t panic if the teething is not as per schedule; primary or deciduous teeth (basically the first set of teeth) can occur anytime from the end of the fourth month to seven months of age. 

Dental Care After the First tooth:

Once the first tooth comes out, you would need to take extra care to ensure that proper hygiene is maintained. Here’s what you need to do…

• You may use silicone brushes or continue with sterilized cotton to wipe the tooth and the gum pads. 
• Be careful while selecting a toothbrush for your child – ask the dentist to suggest the type and brand.
• Also, ask your dentist about the correct brushing motion. 
• Visit your dentist at 6-month intervals. These visits can help in early detection of dental problems. 

Remember: Inculcating good dental care habits from early on will ensure a healthy baby and a healthy child. Don’t give this a miss. We would love to know how you take care of your baby’s teeth. Write in!