Tip Top Teeth

Proper dental care begins early - even before your son or daughter's first tooth makes an appearance. Tricia O'Brien, Features Editor of American Baby Magazine, discusses caring for your young child's pearly whites.

Health teeth begin with healthy gums. That means you'll need to start taking care of your child's teeth even before they are visible. "A lot of parents don't realize it, but you should start caring for their teeth within six months of the first tooth appearance or by their first birthday at the latest," says O'Brien. "Start rubbing around the gums with a piece of gauze or you can use a toothbrush and kind of just touch in there lightly." Don't brush too hard, though. Gum tissue is very sensitive, especially if your child is close to getting a tooth.

Once you do see a tooth push its way through the gums, care for it twice a day just like adult teeth. Child friendly, non-flouride toothpaste is best for kids under two. "That's something that your dentist can confirm for you as well," says O'Brien.

She also advises finding a pediatric dentist rather than a general care dentist. "They have the right tools, they know how to work with kids, they've got all that special stuff in their office to put kids at ease," says O'Brien.

It's also important to do your best to limit bacteria that ends up in your child's mouth. This includes tasting your child's food and then using the same spoon to feed it to your son or daughter. "Parents don't realize that that's a major way that bacteria - plaque - gets into the kid's mouth. You transfer it from your saliva right into theirs," says O'Brien. Always use a clean utensil to feed your child and always sanitize things that are dropped on the floor, even if it's just for a few seconds.

The food you feed your baby can also affect their teeth. Sweet, sticky foods can stay on your child's teeth longer which can lead to tooth decay. "Something like raisins - great for your kids, but it's going to stick to their teeth," says O'Brien. Be sure to brush your child's teeth after eating foods like this.

Other foods, though, can actually help remove plaque. "Cheese - that helps to clear away the plaque - and also citrus fruits. That helps to stimulate the saliva production and that helps to clean the teeth," says O'Brien.

For more information on keeping your baby's teeth healthy, click here to visit www.AmericanBaby.com.
By Erin Shea