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A baby’s dental care starts during the mother’s pregnancy because baby teeth begin to form before birth.  Pregnant women should make sure that they eat balanced, adequate and nutritious diet to be able to get all the needed nutrients for her and her baby.

A baby should start seeing a dentist by the time he is a year old, or six months after the first primary teeth appear, usually when the baby is six-month old.  After the first visit,  regular visits should be scheduled every six months or as the dentist recommends.

Here are some ways a mother should practice for a child to develop good oral habits:

1. Do not put your infant or small child to bed with his usual bottle of milk, fruit  juice, or any other product that contains sugar. The sugar and acids in these liquids can cause tooth decay because of the combination of bacteria and food. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids.  Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.  Do not position the bottle up in your baby’s mouth. Remove the bottle as soon as your baby is done feeding or is asleep.  Encourage your baby to begin drinking from a cup at about 9 months of age.
2. Give your child nutritious foods to maintain healthy gums, develop strong teeth, and avoid tooth decay. These include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed carbohydrates, such as pastries, pasta, and white bread.
3. Make sure that your family practices good oral habits. Transferring tooth decay bacteria to your child can be eliminated when you keep your tooth and gums healthy.
4. Parents and caregivers should not share spoons, forks, and other utensils with babies. The saliva you leave on the utensil may contain bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
5. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.  This helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque.
6. Children with a lot of cavities may start using a mouthwash that contains fluoride, but watch that they do not swallow it.  Do not give your child mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
7. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke since tobacco smoke may contribute to the development of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues.  As your child grows, teach him or her about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke. Exposure to tobacco smoke (second-hand smoke) also may cause gum disease as well as other health problems.
8. If your child sucks his or her fingers or thumb, help your child to stop. If the child can’t stop, see your dentist.
   

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