So many things happen in your baby’s first few years. So many skills for both of you to learn. So many new routines. Since one of these should be caring for your baby’s gums and new teeth, this questions will help answer many or your questions.

What do you mean by good oral hygiene?
Good oral hygiene is the proper care of teeth and gums so they can be their healthiest during childhood and afterwards.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth an gums?
Pediatricians and dentists recommend starting as soon as the first tooth comes in. That’s because sugars in food, milk and formula can form a plaque-like film. Removal of this film is important to promote good oral hygiene at an early age.

What’s the best way to clean my baby’s teeth an gums?
Up until now, parents could only wipe babie’s teeth and gums with a washcloth or gauze pad after feeding or nursing. Now many pediatricians recommend a special product just for that purpose: Baby Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleanser. It’s the first oral cleanser specially formulated for babies. It’s non-abrasive and designed not to scratch or scrape the enamel of soft, new teeth. Unlike toothpaste, Baby Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleanser won’t foam and is safe to swallow.

What about fluoride?
While fluoride can help prevent cavities, its use must be carefully controlled in young children. The experts at the Food and Drug Administration do not recommend fluoride toothpastes for children under 2, because they may swallow it. There are toothpastes that not contain fluoride.

What else should I be doing to ensure good oral hygiene?
You should never put your baby to bed with a bottle (unless it’s water) since the sugar in formula or juice will pool around the teeth. A severe condition known as baby bottle tooth decay may occur.

It’s also best not to let your toddler walk around with a bottle during the day. What’s important is to minimize the amount of time the bottle is in the mouth.

Your pediatrician is trained to check a baby’s teeth and provide instruction on cavity prevention. Visits to the Pediatric Dentist are also an important part of good oral care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a firs checkup before your child turns one. The purpose of this visit is for a preventive exam only.