Dental Care Should Start In Babyhood

Canadian dental specialists remind all moms and dads about the necessity to start regular dental care in babyhood. There is a theory that there’s no need in taking care of babies’ gums and mouth (especially in case if there are no signs of infections, etc.), because the teeth will eventually fall out very soon. However, this practice can cause a lot of trouble to children. “Studies now show that, although you are not born with the bacteria associated with cavities, you acquire those bacteria prior to getting teeth. Once you have a basic culture of the bacteria in your mouth, you can set the pattern of getting cavities. The balance against that is appropriate oral hygiene — wiping gums and brushing teeth really early,” says Dr. Sarah Hulland, former president of the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Pediatric dentists also remind that children’s oral health depends a lot on the one of his parents. Family history of dental problems and diseases can be easily passed to the new generations, at that affecting oral health of developing and newborn babies as well. In particular, certain bacteria can be transmitted directly from mouth to mouth, that is why moms and dads should practice the highest level of dental care. In particular, dental specialists warn parents against kissing their babies and infants on the mouth.
In addition, starting to practice dental care procedures early helps develop strong dental care habits in children. Wiping baby’s tongue and gums helps not only lower risks of various dental infections or diseases, but makes the baby get used to regular dental procedures. “It also helps to reduce the risk of thrush that a lot of babies get because of the yeast infection on their tongues. Once you have them into the pattern of having their gums wiped, toothbrushing is a natural flow as children get older,” Dr. Hullands says. To prevent early childhood tooth decay, Canadian specialists recommend making the first visit to dentist not later than the child turns 1 year old.