Ensuring your child is healthy and happy is most likely a priority for you as a parent, so you may prepare well-balanced meals and show them a great deal of love. However, focusing on their oral health should also be at the top of your priority list. Unfortunately, most parents believe their young children do not require extensive care of their mouth, teeth, and gums because they have primary, not permanent, teeth. This can be devastating to the look and underlying health of your child's smile.  With these tips, you will understand how to care for your baby's teeth and gums.

Gum Care

You may be surprised to learn that most dentists recommend oral hygiene for babies as soon as they are born.

To get started, use a clean washcloth or moist piece of gauze to wipe out your baby's mouth. This is sufficient for removing residue from formula or breast milk that may be building up in the mouth.

Clean your baby's gums a few times a day, making sure to wipe their gums after the last feeding of the night.  

Brushing

Most children will have a full set of primary teeth by the time they reach 3 years of age, but you should start brushing the teeth well before they reach this age.

You should start brushing as soon as your baby's first tooth erupts. Apply a rice grain sized amount of infant toothpaste to a toothbrush that is designed for infants and use gentle motions to brush your child's teeth. Brush the teeth twice a day.

Make sure to communicate to your child the importance of healthy mouth, teeth, and gums while you are brushing. Your child will learn the importance of oral hygiene through you, since you are making it a priority.

Dental Exams

During your child's first year of life, they will need to visit their pediatrician for a great deal of checkups and immunizations. However, you should also make sure they visit their dentist for routine exams.

Considering more and more preschoolers are developing cavities due to improper hygiene, dental professionals recommend a full exam when your child reaches their first birthday. During this exam, the dentist will complete an x-ray to determine how your child's teeth are developing. A professional cleaning will also be conducted to help reduce your child's risk of plaque buildup and cavities.

Making your baby's oral health a priority is key if you want them to learn good habits that will help them have a healthy and appealing smile. With these tips, you will know when and if it is time to start focusing on your baby's mouth and teeth. For more information, contact a company such as Little Peoples Dentistry.