The Nursing Nurse: Teeth!

Hello Readers!
Today we are going to talk teeth. I think many of us take our teeth for granted. Remember, you only get one set of teeth! Most babies will have a few teeth by the time they reach their first birthday. The first teeth to pop up are usually the central incisors, which are the two middle teeth on the top and bottom. Dental Care Through the Ages You can start caring for your baby's gums immediately. After nursing or feeding, it's good practice to wipe your baby's gums with a washcloth to get any leftover milk or food residue off. Don't feel bad if you never did this, it's not essential, just a good start to getting in the habit of dental care. As soon as that first tooth erupts, you need to start brushing. Brush your baby's teeth once or twice a day with a soft bristle infant toothbrush or finger brush. Many baby's will enjoy chewing on a toothbrush; which is also a great way to get them used to a toothbrush. It is safe to use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Make sure it is toothpaste made specifically for infants. Once your child turns two years old, you can start using fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure you use toothpaste that is made for toddlers. Use a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea. You need to brush for them, as they are too young to properly clean their teeth the way they need to be cleaned. Brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Children can't effectively brush on their own until they are around 7 years old. When they are younger, you can let them brush and then finish up by brushing for them. As soon as they are willing, allow them to practice brushing their teeth. Children should see a dentist for the first time around their first birthday. It is good to get established and have your baby's teeth checked, even if they only have one. Flossing before adult teeth come in is up to you. Dentists will recommend flossing baby teeth, but there is no solid evidence to support that it does any good. If anything, it will form a habit of flossing for them when they are older. Once they start getting their permanent teeth, kids should begin flossing. Recommendations say twice a day, but kudos if they do even once a day!
Never send your baby or toddler to bed with a bottle or cup. The absolute worst thing you can do for their teeth is allow milk or juice residue to sit on their teeth all night. Milk and juice should only be served with meals. Water is the drink of choice throughout the rest of the day. Don't allow your child to carry a cup of juice or milk around with them, again the residue sits on their teeth causing decay. If they insist on having a cup throughout the day, fill it with water only. Children should not be drinking more than 4-6 oz of juice daily, if any. Juice is not essential to the diet, and I generally recommend to parents not to serve juice at all. Also, NO POP!! When your little one gets a loose tooth, DO NOT yank it out. No pulling, tying a string to the door and shutting it, none of that. It is not necessary and you could do damage to their teeth and gums. Allow the tooth to fall out naturally on its own. Yes, the child can wiggle it, that won't hurt them. If they happen to swallow their tooth, don't panic. It's not dangerous to them and will pass safely in their stool. The mouth is a very vascular part of the body, meaning it gets lots of blood flow. Your child will bleed what seems like a lot when they lose their tooth. Don't worry, it is completely normal and expected. If your child knocks out a tooth, call your dentist immediately, and keep the tooth in a glass of milk until you get in to see them. You should see them immediately after the tooth is knocked out. Don't have any milk? Water with a little bit of salt will work too. Remember, getting cavities filled, crowns, root canals, and teeth pulled is very traumatic....for adults. Imagine what that would be like for your child. Not to mention, dental insurance often does not cover the full price of extensive dental work. Do them (and your bank account) a favor, take good care of their teeth!