As a parent, it is important to prioritize your baby’s oral hygiene from an early age. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, and it sets the foundation for healthy teeth and gums throughout your child’s life. At Dental Group of Simi Valley, we are dedicated to dental health for your whole family.

Oral Hygiene from a Young Age

Here are some safety tips to follow while caring for your baby’s oral hygiene:

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your baby’s teeth and gums. Hard bristles can cause irritation and potentially damage the delicate tissue in your baby’s mouth. Choose a toothbrush with a small head to better fit in your baby’s mouth, and be sure to replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
2. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is an important mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on your child’s teeth. However, it is important to use a small amount of toothpaste, as swallowing too much fluoride can be harmful. For infants under 12 months old, use a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. For children over 12 months old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
3. Be gentle: It is important to be gentle when brushing your baby’s teeth and gums. Use a circular motion and avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause irritation and discomfort. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your baby’s teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
4. Use a clean, damp cloth to clean your baby’s gums: Before your baby’s teeth come in, it is important to clean their gums to remove any bacteria or food particles. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding.
5. Avoid sharing toothbrushes: It is important to avoid sharing toothbrushes with your baby, as this can spread bacteria and potentially cause illness. Each family member should have their own toothbrush to prevent the transmission of germs.
6. Supervise your child while brushing: It is important to supervise your child while brushing to ensure that they are using the toothbrush properly and not swallowing the toothpaste. For children under the age of six, it is best to assist them with brushing to ensure that all surfaces of their teeth are being cleaned properly.
7. Start flossing when your child has two teeth that touch: As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it is important to start flossing to remove any plaque or food particles that may be trapped between their teeth. Use a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long and gently slide it between your child’s teeth, being careful not to damage their gums.
8. Schedule regular dental check-ups: It is important to schedule regular dental check-ups for your child to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing.
9. Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle: Putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice can lead to tooth decay, as the sugars in these beverages can cling to your baby’s teeth and cause decay. If you need to give your baby a bottle before bed, fill it with water instead.
10. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks: Limiting your child’s intake of sugary snacks can help protect their teeth from the damage sugars can cause over time.

Dental Group of Simi Valley: Dental Health for All Ages

If you live in or around Simi Valley, CA, start your baby off with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. At Dental Group of Simi Valley, we understand that establishing the earliest dental care plan for your baby is the foundation for building lifelong habits in oral health protection. Our kid-friendly team of experts provides all services necessary to keep your little one’s mouth healthy.

We are passionate about helping our patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health. During every visit, our staff will be sure to provide personalized instructions on cleaning and dietary tips for developing strong, disease-free teeth for life. Let us at Dental Group of Simi Valley help give you peace of mind by creating the perfect dental care plan for your baby.