After dampening the tiny finger-shaped towel, you gently massage your baby's gums, removing bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child's toothbrush or rub them with gauze at the end of the day. Even babies can have problems with dental decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits at home. When the sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby's teeth for hours, they may eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth . Pocked, pitted, or discolored front teeth are signs of bottle mouth.
Severe cases result in cavities.
Parents and child care providers should also help young children develop set times for drinking during the day as well because sucking on a bottle throughout the day or breastfeeding on demand can be equally damaging to young teeth. Just as you take your child to a pediatrician for immunizations and check-ups, you may want to take her to a dentist who specializes in treating children. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with your child's dental health. They also know when to refer you to a different type of specialist, such as an orthodontist to correct an overbite or an oral surgeon for jaw realignment. A pediatric dentist's primary goals are prevention , heading off potential oral health problems before they occur, and maintenance , ensuring through routine checkups and proper daily care that teeth and gums stay healthy.