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Oral Health

Tooth decay can be painful. It can cause serious health problems and keep your child from eating and talking normally. It’s important to start good dental care from birth so that your baby’s gums are healthy and his first teeth do not have decay.

To prevent cavities in your baby’s first teeth, don’t let him go to sleep with a bottle. The natural sugar in milk, formula and juice can cause tooth decay. To reduce the spread of the bacteria that cause tooth decay, don’t let anyone use your baby’s spoon or pacifier.

Make sure that everyone in your family visits a dentist at least once a year. Set a good example by taking care of your own dental health.

Oral Health
Your Children’s Teeth Must Last a Lifetime
Elena and her sister Isabel are learning good dental care habits at an early age.


Teething

If your baby is having teething pain, you can make his gums feel better by gently rubbing them with a clean finger. Or let him chew on a teething ring or clean washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator.

Things You Can Do

Where to Find Help

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Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday with a Dental Checkup

  • Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday with a Dental Checkup
    • Starting from birth, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth every day. When your baby has 2 or 3 teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush.
    • When your child has her first birthday, take her to the dentist.
    • When your child is 2 years old, she can begin to brush her teeth with your supervision and help. Make sure she uses a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, spits it out after brushing and rinses with water.