Community Corner
5 Tips for Your Baby's Oral Health
Did you know you should brush babies' gums just a few days after they're born?
By Aysha Jamali
Good oral health practices start at an early age. Dentists recommend beginning before your child has teeth.
The Michigan Dental Association offers these five tips on early oral health.
1. Start cleaning your baby's gums regularly by wiping them with a clean, moist gauze pad starting just a few days after birth.
2. As soon as your child's first teeth appear, around six months old, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water.
3. When kids are older than two and can spit, start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing.
4. As soon as they get teeth that touch each other, start using dental floss.
5. Schedule a dental visit as soon as your child's first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. It will help them get comfortable with visiting the dentist.
How old were you when you first visited the dentist? Tell us in the comments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
