What? My baby has a cavity!?!
Surprisingly, parents find themselves crying these words too often. Though it seems obvious, many parents don’t take the time to stop and seriously consider that baby teeth and gums are susceptible to the same plaque and tartar that affect adult teeth. This reality becomes lost in the fog of activity and sleep deprivation that comes with having children. Thankfully, saving your child from painful dental procedures and long-term damage to their permanent teeth requires just a few simple routines and the avoidance of a few common pitfalls.
Instead, restrict sugary liquids like juice to meal times and avoid soda all together. The bottle should be for milk and milk alone—no sugary liquids. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth at night and start brushing with water as soon as that first tooth appears. Put water in your children’s’ sippy cups when they are drinking, and try to get them to use a regular cup by age one. Work to build these good habits as soon as possible, and secure the health of your children’s’ teeth for a lifetime.
