How to Make Your Teeth Stronger: Our Favourite Tips

Whether you are the proud parent of a toddler or have a baby on the way, you may have already begun to think about infant oral health. While you may believe that children are born without teeth, babies actually begin developing their teeth while they are still in the womb. They often remain hidden in their gums until they start appearing between 6 to 10 months.

Teething represents a significant milestone for your child, so it is important to be aware of the correct infant dental health tips to ensure your children grow up with a healthy set of teeth and retain their beautiful, natural smile. Read on to discover handy tips you can start implementing now, and others that you can plan for in the future.

If you are seeking high-quality, reliable dentures for you or your child, contact us online, call us on (02) 6684 3677, or book an appointment to get started.

Top Infant Oral Health Tips

Gently Brush Their Teeth

Once your child’s teeth have begun appearing, it is time to start brushing them. Our infant dental health advice is to use a small, soft toothbrush to gently clean the teeth each morning and night. If your child is under 18 months, simply wet the toothbrush before use, and don’t use toothpaste unless directed to by a dental professional. If your baby won’t accept the brush, you can also use a damp cloth to clean their teeth.

Only Feed Your Baby Breastmilk or Formula

For the first 6 to 12 months of their lives, breastmilk or formula is the only food and drink that they need. Don’t feed your baby sugary drinks such as juice, soft drink, cordial, or flavoured milk until they are at least 12 months old. Also avoid feeding them cow’s milk during this period. This is one of the most important infant oral health tips to follow, as it can increase the risk of tooth decay from a young age.

Don’t Put Your Baby to Sleep with a Bottle

You may find that putting your child to bed with a bottle is an easy way to lay them down to sleep, but this can negatively affect their infant dental health. When babies fall asleep with a bottle, milk often stays in the mouth and on the teeth, which can cause tooth decay. Instead, try putting them to sleep with a teddy bear, blanket, or singing them a lullaby to avoid impacting their infant oral health.

Feed Them Healthy Foods

Once your child has reached 6 months, they are able to begin eating solid foods. It is important that you feed them the right foods to benefit their infant dental health and to set healthy eating habits from a young age. Avoid feeding them junk foods and ones high in sugar, as high levels of sugar risk decaying your child’s teeth. Natural fruits and vegetables are great choices for snacks as they aid your child’s development.

Take Them for an Oral Health Assessment

By the time your child reaches their second birthday, you should book them in for their first professional oral health assessment. A dentist will inspect your child’s teeth and gums and identify any issues that may be apparent, while also providing specialist advice for maintaining their infant oral health. If your child does experience any issues, picking up on them as early as possible is imperative for preventing them from becoming a bigger issue in the future.

Contact the Denture Experts Today!

At Pearl Denture Studio, we are the northern rivers denture clinic you can trust for all your denture needs, and those of your child. Whether you require full dentures or only partial dentures, our experienced team will provide you with industry leading service. If you’re ready to book an appointment, call us on (02) 6684 3677 or contact us online.