ORAL CARE FOR BABIES

by Denticare
Updated: 07 July, 2022
Babies Dental

The mouth of a new born baby is sterile until birth, but as soon as the baby is born germs start accumulating rapidly in the mouth. So cleaning the gums and teeth of babies are very important for good oral health right from the childhood.

How and when should I start to clean my baby’s mouth?

Before teeth eruption (birth to 6months): Gently wipe the gums, tongue and the entire mouth with a small piece of gauze or cotton soaked with water.

After teeth eruption (6months to 3years): The first tooth starts to erupt between 4 to 7 months. As more teeth erupts we advise you to brush your baby’s teeth with soft baby tooth brush in a circular motion. Make sure you only use a grain sized fluoridated tooth paste for brushing. Also encourage them to spit it rather than swallowing it.

What is teething and how to manage it?

Eruption of teeth in the mouth is termed as teething. During this period babies might experience discomforts, irritations, sleep trouble, pain, and swollen gums. These symptoms can be observed for 3- 4 days before and after the eruption of teeth. Pain due to teething can be relieved by using teething toys or by applying pressure in the erupting areas with clean hands or cloth.

What is the importance of baby teeth?

Baby teeth helps the babies to chew, talk and most importantly they hold the space for future permanent teeth to come in. Cavities in the baby teeth if left untreated can lead to early loss and alter the course upcoming permanent teeth, so preserving baby teeth is as important as the permanent teeth.

How to protect baby teeth from decay?

Consuming sugary and sticky foods should be controlled and can be taken during meal time. Bottle feeding with sugary drinks before sleeping is the most destructive habit for toddlers and kids. This habit can lead to multiple decay in a short span and must be avoided at all cost.

What are the uncommon problems babies can encounter in mouth?

Natal teeth– A new born child can be born with one or two teeth which is known as natal teeth, these teeth have to be removed as they could injure the opposing gum pad and can harm the mother while breast feeding.

Eruption cyst– During teething a bluish swelling may appear in the region where the tooth erupts which is termed as eruption cyst. This cyst resolves on its own during the eruption process, if not please consult your dentist immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral care for an infant begins even before teeth erupt. Gently clean the baby’s gums using a soft, clean cloth or gauze dipped in lukewarm water after each feeding. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush with plain water. Avoid toothpaste until advised by your pediatric dentist. Early oral hygiene prevents bacterial buildup, keeps gums healthy, and helps your child get used to a daily oral care routine.

Oral care should begin right from birth, not just when teeth appear. Wiping the baby’s gums with a clean cloth after feeding helps prevent bacterial growth and protects developing teeth under the gums. Once the first tooth erupts, usually around 6 months, brushing with a soft infant toothbrush becomes important. Starting oral care early builds healthy habits, reduces the risk of early childhood cavities, and supports proper growth of primary teeth for speech and nutrition.

The 2-2-2 rule is a simple guideline for maintaining good oral health. It means brushing your teeth 2 times a day, spending at least 2 minutes each time, and visiting the dentist 2 times a year. For children, parents should supervise brushing to ensure proper technique and timing. This rule helps prevent cavities, gum problems, and plaque buildup. Teaching kids this habit early makes oral hygiene routine and reduces dental issues as they grow older.

You should start cleaning your baby’s mouth from day one, even before teeth erupt. In the early months, gently wipe the gums with a soft cloth after feeding. Once the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months, switch to using a baby toothbrush with soft bristles. This not only prevents bacterial buildup but also familiarizes the child with oral care early. Starting mouth cleaning at birth lays the foundation for strong teeth and healthy gums.