Tooth Care Begins at Birth in Mill Creek!

There’s so much to think about and look out for when you bring a new baby home. Whether it’s your first, or you’re bringing home a little brother or sister, visits to the dentist and dental care are probably the last thing on your mind!

But healthy teeth and gums are important to everyone’s overall well being. Here are a few tips to get your little ones started on a lifetime of good dental health and habits.

Clean your baby’s mouth every day

Start taking care of his teeth before they ever appear! Gently wipe his gums twice a day with a soft, moist cloth or gauze. It will help keep any milk or food residue from creating bacteria in his mouth.

Begin brushing when the first tooth appears

That first tooth needs as much care as all his permanent teeth later on. Begin with a small, soft toothbrush and a tiny drop of non-fluoride toothpaste. Use a circular motion to very gently brush his teeth (or tooth!) and gums.

Limit the sweet drinks

We don’t have to tell you this! Limiting sweet drinks like juices will give your child a good start on healthy eating habits and also help prevent decay. And of course, you don’t want to leave a bottle filled with juice or anything but water with your baby for any period of time. This also gives harmful bacteria a chance to start growing.

Visit a dentist by age 3

Dr. Brian Rutherford recommends bringing your child in for his or her first checkup by age 3 to be sure the teeth are developing normally. After that, they should have a checkup every 6 months. At Mill Creek Dentistry, we offer pediatric dentistry and look forward to taking care of your entire family’s smiles for a lifetime, right down to the smallest smiles!