I know a pressing question for lots of first time moms is “do infants need teeth care?” We may try to reason that they are just baby teeth, they are going to fall out anyway, but that is a poor judgment call. The deciduous (or baby) teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.

From birth to 6 months, even before those first few teeth come in, we are supposed to clean our infant’s mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime. Did I do this? Umm, no. I hate to admit I didn’t. Did you?

Once your baby does have teeth, you are supposed to brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. My dad is a retired dentist and he is always on me about brushing my son’s teeth. He says twice a day (morning and night) is sufficient. I will admit I don’t really do that either….and my son already has about 16 teeth. I do brush them every day though, once a day before bed, with the occasional twice a day brushing if he wants to mimic what I’m doing. Actually, HE brushes them. He won’t let me do it. My dad says that that isn’t good enough. I need to do it (for now) because I can really brush them the correct way. Any tips on how I can get my son to let me get in there and brush his teeth? He loves to just suck off the water or toothpaste and uses very random brushing motions. I know the only good this is really doing is instilling some good habits.

Some more tips for instilling good habits to ensure your child eats correctly to maintain a healthy body and teeth, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the following:

• Ask your pediatric dentist to help you assess your child’s diet.

• Shop smart. Do not routinely stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks. Buy “fun foods” just for special times.

• Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks.

• Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes.

• Do not put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.

• If your child chews gum or sips soda, choose those without sugar.