Bright Smiles

Even though your baby may not have cut any teeth yet, it’s never too early to think about dental care. Here’s how to make sure your kids keep their pearly whites healthy for life.

Infants need oral care even before their teeth come in, says Elisa J. Velazquez, DMD, MSD, president of the NJ Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Hispanic Dental Association, and the NJ Dental Association. “Wipe the child’s gums after each feeding. Gradually begin brushing the gums and teeth as they erupt with a soft brush. Babies should never go to bed with a bottle; ideally, brushing should be the last thing that happens before bed.”

Thumb sucking or pacifier use are natural forms of self-soothing, but parents should decrease these habits around 18 months.

“Prolonged use may interfere with the growth and development of the palate and teeth,” says Velazquez, of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates in Cream Ridge, Manahawkin and Toms River.

Babies should be seen at age 1 for their first visit, Velazquez says. “Our goal is to guide parents through the teething years and establish good, healthy oral hygiene habits.” Children should then be seen every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

All children teethe, which is a normal, Velazquez says. The first

By Jennifer Amato

signs of teeth coming in are drooling and babies putting their hands in their mouth. “Ideally, familiarize yourself with the eruption pattern of baby teeth,” she says. “Remember, they may experience irritability during teething. Rubbing the gums with a clean finger, washcloth or teething ring may help with discomfort. Please avoid teething necklaces, teething tablets or pain medications containing benzocaine.” Teethers have parts that can break off and be a choking hazard, she says. If a teether is filled with liquid, newly erupting teeth could puncture and release the liquid.

Kids have 20 baby teeth, which they start losing between the ages of 5 and 7. Baby teeth typically fall out and are replaced by about 12 years old. But you still want to avoid cavities in baby’s teeth.

Any food or drinks that have natural or added sugars can cause cavities. Juice, starchy snacks and sticky snacks (like gummy bears) are leading causes of tooth decay for kids, Velazquez says.

Remember that all pediatric dentists should have two years of additional training specializing in children in addition to four years of dental school, says Velazquez. “You want a pediatric dentist you trust and feel comfortable with for their growth and development.” she says.