As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s teeth are healthy from the start. Healthy teeth not only improve your child’s appearance but are also instrumental in speech development, nutrition, and overall health.

Here are three steps you can take to ensure your baby’s teeth stay healthy:.

Step 1: Start with Proper Oral Hygiene

Babies may not have teeth at birth, but they still need oral care. Gently wiping your baby’s gums with a moist, soft cloth or gauze pad after feedings helps to remove bacteria and prevent future dental problems.

Once your baby’s teeth have started coming through, switch to a toothbrush designed for infants. Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.

Step 2: Monitor Baby’s Diet

Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth, so it’s essential to watch what your child eats. Sugary and starchy foods such as cookies, candy, cereal, and chips can increase the risk of cavities.

Limiting these foods in your child’s diet is essential to their oral health. Additionally, encourage a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables and protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and beans. Drinking water instead of sugary juice and soda also helps prevent cavities.

Step 3: Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are necessary to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain in optimal condition.

Experts recommend that your child should start seeing a dentist within six months after their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Regular dental examinations enable early detection and treatment of dental issues, reducing the risk of dental problems or expensive treatments in the future.

Ensuring your child has healthy teeth requires work, but it’s worth it to help them establish good oral habits that last a lifetime.

Take the time to monitor your child’s diet, practice proper oral hygiene, and schedule regular dental exams, and your child will be on their way to a lifetime of healthy smiles.