10 Essential Tips for Newborn Oral Care

As far as baby teething goes, this is the rule of thumb. In the days immediately following birth, you should start washing your baby’s mouth. Why? Babies can have oral thrush from a buildup of milk residue on their mouths and tongues, which is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. As an added bonus, getting your infant used to the sensation early on will make switching to a toothbrush a lot less of a shock when the time comes.

Forget about toothpaste and toothbrushes for the time being. A few basic, mild, and likely already-present household items will do the trick. Gather a clean, gentle washcloth or a damp gauze pad. When you wrap it around your finger, you have the ideal tool for delicately removing debris. While gently cleansing the area, the gentle texture won’t irritate your baby’s delicate gums.

Keep things consistent. Take a little cloth and gently wipe your baby’s gums twice a day, preferably after the first feeding in the morning and before bed. One way to keep in mind to clean your baby’s mouth is to make it a regular part of your routine. Because saliva production drops throughout the night, making bacterial proliferation easier, it is especially vital to clean before bed.

Make sure to clean thoroughly while being gentle. Gently cleanse both the top and bottom gum surfaces. The inside of the cheeks and the tongue are great places to find milk residue, so be sure to check both. Move in a gentle, circular pattern. Not only does this get rid of germs, but it also massages your baby’s gums in a soft, calming way, which can be especially helpful as teething starts.

Priorities include well-being and security. Come up with a position that suits you and your partner equally. When sitting, many parents find it most comfortable to hold their infant in one arm and place their head on their chest for support. Another option is to use a changing pad or even just your lap to place your baby on. Having a firm grasp and clear vision of your baby’s mouth are of utmost importance.

Preventing cavities in young children, sometimes known as “bottle rot,” begins with this important piece of advice. Babies sleep for hours with sugary liquid pooling behind their gums and future teeth from bottles of milk or juice. Even in the case of non-erupted teeth, this sugar provides fuel for the bacteria that cause acid erosion of the enamel.

Thrush can still occur, no matter how careful you are. It’s a yeast infection that many infants have. Creamy white, slightly elevated lesions on the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, or gums that are difficult to wipe away (unlike milk residue) are warning signs to look out for. Because the sores are painful, your infant may also be more fussy when eating. A simple antifungal therapy can be provided by contacting your pediatrician if you suspect thrush.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that a child should visit a dentist no later than six months after the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Although it may appear early, this is actually a proactive measure. Checking for early symptoms of decay, evaluating your routine for caring for your newborn’s teeth, and providing individualized direction for your growing child are all things that a dentist may do. Additionally, it assists your young child in developing a positive association with the dental office at an early age.

Avoid the urge to “clean” a spilled pacifier with your mouth or share utensils, no matter how enticing it may be. The cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, can be passed on by saliva. Sharing utensils might unintentionally transmit the bacteria from your adult mouth to your infant, who may not yet have developed an immune system or good dental hygiene practices to deal with them. Never use anything other than soap and water to clean pacifiers and spoons.

Your oral health during pregnancy affects your baby’s in a direct way. Reducing the quantities of germs in your household that cause cavities can be achieved by sticking to your regular dental checkups and brushing and flossing routines. You’re doing a double duty by taking care of your teeth: maintaining your smile and teaching your youngster the value of good oral hygiene.