Dentist Sandy Springs: I'm a new mother. What can I do for my baby's oral health?

You can do a lot!  But I don’t necessarily recommend it.  Below are some things you need to know about your baby's oral health.

 •The same germs that cause tooth decay in your mouth can be passed to your baby. Do not put your baby's items, such as toys, spoons, bottles, or pacifiers in your mouth.

•Wipe your baby's teeth and gums with a clean gauze pad or baby toothbrush after each nursing and feeding. This can help remove sugars found in milk that can cause tooth decay and also get your baby used to having her teeth cleaned on a regular basis.

•If you bottle-feed your baby, try to finish bottle weaning by age 1. Avoid giving your baby bottles or pacifiers at naps and bedtime. Sucking on a bottle when lying down can cause cavities and lead to "baby bottle tooth decay."

•All babies should visit a dentist by age 1. The dentist will screen for problems in your baby's mouth. You will also be shown how to care for your child's teeth and mouth.

•Talk with your doctor about the best water choices for infants. Fluoride is good for teeth. But too much fluoride can harm development of tooth enamel in infants.

As a mother of three, I personally think all of this is too extreme.  I didn’t do any of this and my kids turned out perfectly healthy.  Call me a heretic, but Mother Nature and your common sense instincts will suit you just fine raising your child.  And if you lack the later, then follow the recommendations above.  While it is good to know what you can do, the best advice I can give you is don’t worry so much and apply all advice in moderation.  They will do fine growing up because they are designed to do fine growing up.  If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact our Sandy Springs office.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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