A baby’s oral health care starts from the time of pregnancy because a baby’s milk teeth start developing during the time of pregnancy. Hence, a healthy balanced diet with adequate calcium content is important for pregnant moms for proper formation of milk teeth.
1.Cleaning of gums should begin soon after birth
Gum should be cleaned using a clean soft cloth or gauze wrapped on the index finger. The gums, tongue and inner surfaces of the cheek should be cleaned in curving motion. This may require some patience. The gums can be cleaned at any time during the day but preferably after breastfeeding. Once the first tooth erupts, it should be cleaned using a finger brush.
2.Teething
Babies can spout their first tooth between 3-6 months. Teething may be associated with pain in gums, drooling of saliva, irritability etc. All these can be minimised by massaging of gums with clean fingers, keeping gum clean, use of teething rings (hygiene of teething rings should be maintained carefully) and use of finger foods. In the case of severe symptoms, pain relieving gels for babies may be used. Sometimes, teething may be associated with bluish discolouration or swelling over the erupting tooth due to the accumulation of blood over the erupting tooth (known as eruption cyst). Regular massage will help in resolving this problem or sometimes, drainage of fluid or blood over the tooth may be required.
3.Natal Teeth
Sometimes, babies are born with a tooth/ teeth in mouth known as “Natal tooth/ teeth”. If they are not well formed teeth, they may require removal. Well formed teeth do not require removal as they are the milk teeth which have erupted in advance although; they may be mobile initially as the root length is short. As the root formation increases over time, their mobility decreases. Regular check up is required to check the mobility. Natal teeth may require removal if they are very loosely attached to the gums.
4.Dental Cavities
Dental cavities can affect newborns soon after the first tooth erupts in the mouth. These kinds of cavities are known as “early childhood caries” which are rapidly progressing and are detrimental to the health of milk teeth. Dental cavities are caused by bacteria present in the mouth known as streptococcus mutans. These bacteria can be transmitted by the mom to child (dependent on moms’ levels of streptococcus mutans, the level of oral hygiene, the health of gums and number of untreated cavities in the mouth) or through other family members, caregivers, siblings to the child. Transmission can occur by kissing or sharing spoons (testing temperature of food). Hence, it is advisable that mom and other family members should have good oral health and oral hygiene practices to reduce the risk of getting cavities in newborn children.
5.Feeding practices
Although breastfeeding is not directly associated with dental cavities, however, there may be other factors such as enamel defects, poor oral hygiene in babies which may cause dental cavities if the child is breastfed. On the other hand bottle-feeding with formula milk is definitely associated with dental caries. It is recommended that breastfeeding/bottle feeding at night/during sleep beyond one year should be avoided to prevent early childhood caries. If the first tooth erupts before one-year regular cleaning of teeth is important after feeding at night to prevent cavities on teeth.
Dental Care Before the First tooth:
- After every feed, wipe the upper and lower gums with cotton cloth – very gently. The cotton must be soaked in lukewarm water, which is boiled.
- Avoids using any sort of chemicals to clean the gums.
- Don’t panic if the teething is not as per schedule; primary or deciduous teeth (basically the first set of teeth) can occur anytime from the end of the fourth month to seven months of age.
Dental Care After the First tooth:
Once the first tooth comes out, you would need to take extra care to ensure that proper hygiene is maintained. Here’s what you need to do…
- You may use silicone brushes or continue with sterilized cotton to wipe the tooth and the gums.
- Be careful while selecting a toothbrush for your child – ask the dentist to suggest the type and brand.
- Also, ask your dentist about the correct brushing motion.
- Visit your dentist at 6-month intervals. These visits can help in early detection of dental problems.
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