So, you’ve just gone through teething (or you’re about to) and now your baby has a brand-new tooth that needs to be looked after. You may think that your baby is too young for any sort of dental care routine but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
From the moment that first, shiny tooth pops its head out into the open, dental health becomes important. Until their adult teeth come through, your child will need to rely on their milk teeth, so it is very important that you begin to care for them as early as possible, beginning with a trip to the dentist.
The best way to look after your baby’s teeth is to get into the habit of brushing them, even if there is only one! Use a small, soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste suitable for use in children. Brush their teeth twice a day, with one brushing at night before they go to bed.
Don’t be too concerned if you can’t brush their teeth much at first. The most important thing is to get into the habit of brushing, so your baby knows that it’s a part of their daily routine.
As your child gets older, it may be tempting to let them brush their own teeth unassisted. Though it is important to teach your child to brush independently, it is a good idea to continue helping them brush their teeth till they’re around seven or eight years old and can do it well enough on their own.1,2
Sugar is a source of food for the bacteria that live in our mouth. The bacteria produce acid, which can damage the outer surface of the tooth (called the enamel). While saliva in our mouth helps to repair this damage, if there is more damage than repair a hole in the tooth (known as a cavity) can develop.
Babies who are settled to sleep with a bottle of milk (or other sweet drinks) can be especially at risk, since the liquid can pool in their mouths and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay while they sleep. It is best to limit sweets as much as possible and establish good healthy eating habits early.
Consider the following tips to reduce the amount of time your child’s teeth are in contact with sugar:2,3
Sugar can be tricky to identify in different foods since they go by many different names. Some common names for sugar on ingredient lists include fructose, sucrose, dextrose and glucose. Avoiding foods with added sugars is one of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy.
Babies in New Zealand are eligible for free check-ups from an oral health service, and the New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends enrolling your baby as early as possible. Having regular check-ups will help ensure any tooth decay is found and treated early.
Your dentist will be able to make sure that your baby’s teeth are all coming out as expected and give you valuable advice on how to keep your baby’s teeth healthy and strong.
1. Healthdirect Australia. Dental care for children. Available here.
2. New Zealand Ministry of Health. Caring for baby teeth. Available here.
3. Better Health Channel (Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia). Tooth decay – young children. Available here.
First published: 14th October 2021
Last updated: 5th September 2024
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.
Reckitt Benckiser, Auckland. TAPS-NA12827. RB-M-40834.
