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Dental Care for Your Child
Tooth decay can be painful
and unattractive. It can cause serious health problems and keep your child
from eating and talking normally. So, it’s important to start good dental
care right from birth so that your baby’s gums are healthy and his first
teeth do not have decay. One of the most important things you can do is
prevent “baby bottle tooth decay”. The natural sugar in milk, formula and
juice can cause tooth decay. So, don’t let your baby sleep with a bottle of
milk,
formula or juice. Make sure that everyone in your family visits a dentist
regularly. Set a good example by taking care of your own dental health.
Tips for Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth:
• Starting at birth, clean your baby’s gums with water and a soft infant toothbrush, gauze or a washcloth.
• When your baby’s first teeth come in, use a small toothbrush to gently clean the teeth after every meal.
• If your baby wants a bottle at bedtime, fill it with cool water or give him a clean pacifier. It is best not to dip a pacifier in anything sweet like sugar or jam.
• Avoid putting sweet or sugary drinks in your baby’s bottle.
• If your local water supply does not have fluoride, ask your baby’s doctor about the best way to get it.
• Help your baby start learning to use a cup around 6 months of age.
• Sipping all day on milk, juice or sweet drinks can cause tooth decay. If your baby is thirsty between meals, offer water.
Click here to view a sample of the Alabama Partnership for Children's Health Care for Your Child information card which contains the above information. To order copies for distribution at a minimal charge click here to download and print the order form.