STLMoms - Parents as Teachers Tip: Protecting Your Child's Teeth From The Start

Discovering your baby's first tooth is exciting for parents. But healthy teeth start before the first tooth even emerges. The National Center for Parents as Teachers offers the following tips on dental health to protect your child's overall health, development and appearance:

* Before your baby's teeth push through the gums, wipe her gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding to remove bacteria, ease teething pain, and develop the habit of a clean mouth.

* To avoid tooth decay, don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything other than water.


* Never dip a pacifier in something sweet or lick it. This can spread cavity-causing bacteria to the baby.

* After your baby's teeth come in (between ages 6 to 12 months), start brushing his teeth and gums with a soft bristle toothbrush and water. Once he's old enough to spit, add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.

* Start flossing your child's teeth when they begin to touch each other.

* Sing a song or tell a story while brushing your child's teeth to distract her and make it more enjoyable for both of you.

* Feed your child a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich foods that lead to strong bones and teeth. Limit sugary or starchy snacks and drinks that lead to tooth decay.

* Take your baby to the dentist after the first tooth comes in or at least by age 1 for early dental advice and so the child becomes accustomed to visits to the dentist.