Your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone—and the start of a lifelong journey toward good oral health. While baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in helping your child chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Keeping them healthy sets the foundation for a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy habits.
At Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry, we love helping families in our community protect little smiles from the start. Here’s how you can keep your baby cavity-free:
1. Start Cleaning Early
Even before the first tooth appears, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth begin to appear, switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants.
Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until age 3, then increase to a pea-sized amount.
2. Watch Out for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can lead to cavities—especially in the front teeth. Try to avoid bottles at bedtime or replace them with water.
Tip: If your baby uses a pacifier, never dip it in sweet substances like honey or syrup.
3. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
As your child starts solids, offer nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, cheese, and yogurt. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can feed cavity-causing bacteria.
Dairy products also help strengthen enamel with calcium and phosphate—great for growing teeth!
4. Schedule That First Dental Visit Early
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.
At Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry, our gentle approach makes little ones feel safe and comfortable during their very first appointment. We’ll check growth, teach brushing tips, and help you establish a cavity-prevention routine.
5. Make Fluoride Your Friend
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and talk with your dentist about whether your child might benefit from fluoride treatments during cleanings.
Building Healthy Habits from the Start
Good dental habits in childhood lead to strong smiles for life. By starting early—cleaning baby teeth, making healthy food choices, and visiting your family dentist regularly—you can help your child avoid cavities and enjoy a bright, healthy smile as they grow.
Ready to schedule your baby’s first dental visit?
Call Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry today at 410-569-8500! Our team is here to make dental care easy, comfortable, and fun for the whole family.
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