At birth, babies do not have decay causing germs in their mouths. These germs are passed from parents to their babies through kissing and sharing utensils, like spoons. The more germs the parents have in their mouths, the more germs will be passed on to the baby. When the baby's mouth and teeth are not cleaned daily, decay causing acids are formed from most liquids that are fed to the baby. These liquids include fruit juices, formula, cow's milk and breast milk. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth surface and cause decay.

(See more information below.)

• the mouth has not been cleaned daily.
• a bottle filled with juice, milk or other sweetened liquid remains in bed with the child. This usually results in the child feeding off and on throughout the night. The liquid pools in the mouth for long periods of time causing repeated acid attacks.
• a child walks around with a bottle or spill-free sippy cup during the day.
• the bottle, spill-free sippy cup, or breast is used as a pacifier.
  

• pain (toothache) and infection (abscess).
• poor appetite and painful chewing.
• difficulty sleeping because of pain or discomfort.
• poor appearance.
• speech problems.
• crowded adult teeth.

Infant mouth cleaning

Daily mouth cleaning should begin soon after birth.  Wipe your baby's gums, roof of mouth and inside of cheeks with a clean, soft damp cloth.

How to brush

Angle the toothbrush bristles towards the gums. Gently brush back and forth with short, vibrating motions on all sides of the teeth.

Outside

Brushing does not clean between the teeth or where the gums and teeth meet. Flossing cleans these areas.

Flossing should be done once a day starting when the teeth grow in and touch together. Your child will accept flossing more easily if it is introduced at an early age.

• Use a favourite toy, hugs, stories or songs to comfort your child instead of comforting them with a bottle, breast, or food.
• Do not put your child to bed with a bottle or spill-free sippy cup. If you do, make sure it contains only water.
• Lift the lip once a month to look at the teeth and gums and
  check for early signs of tooth decay.
• Introduce a cup when your child is 6 months of age.
• Limit the amount and frequency of foods and drinks containing sugar that are given to infants and toddlers.
• Choose healthy foods and snacks for your child.
• Do not give babies a soother dipped in sugar, honey, or any other sweet substance.
• Parents and caregivers need to floss and brush their own teeth every day and visit the dentist regularly. This will limit the number of decay causing bacteria passed to a child from the parent or caregivers' mouth.
  

The Canadian Dental Association recommends your child's first visit to the dentist should be at age one. Your dentist will check for signs of tooth decay and give you guidance about your child's oral health.

Helping your child develop good oral habits and attitudes will result in good oral health for a lifetime.

For more information contact your dental health educator.

Helping your child develop good oral habits and attitudes will result in good oral health for a lifetime.

For more information contact your dental health educator/coordinator or your local dental team.