The hygiene of the teeth of babies
The care and cleaning your baby’s teeth are very important for long-term dental health. Even though baby teeth will fall out, tooth decay can hasten this process and leave gaps in his teeth before the permanent teeth are ready to go. It is possible that the baby teeth that have not yet fallen to come together to try to fill the spaces, and as a consequence will crooked teeth fixed or places that are not theirs.
Daily dental care of the baby should begin before the release of their first tooth. Clean your baby’s gums daily with gauze or clean cloth and wet, or brush very gently with a soft toothbrush and baby water (no toothpaste!). As soon as the first teeth appear, brush them with water.
Use toothpaste on the teeth of your baby is fine once your child (a) has grown enough to spit out the toothpaste when brushing your teeth, which usually occurs around age 3. Choose a toothpaste with fluoride and use only a small amount (pea size) or less in younger children. Do not let your child (a) swallow the toothpaste or eat it straight from the tube because an overdose of fluoride can be dangerous for children.
When all the baby teeth have come out, try wiping them at least twice a day, especially after meals. It is also important that your child (a) is used to flossing early. A good time to start flossing is when the teeth begin to be next to each other. Consult your dentist for advice on how to floss on tiny teeth. You can encourage your little one (a) to take an interest in letting this routine he or she will observe and imitate each time you brush your teeth and use dental floss.
Another important tip for preventing tooth decay: do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Milk or juice can pool in your mouth and cause tooth decay and plaque.
The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that children visit a dentist in the first year of age, when they have gone from 6 to 8 teeth in order to detect possible problems and advise parents on preventive care.