Dental Decay can begin as soon as the baby teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. All teeth need to be bathed by saliva to complete their final phase of development – mineralization. If the teeth are covered with dental plaque (bacteria, cells, sugar from breast milk, formula or juice) the teeth will not mineralize and the infective decay process can begin. Left untreated, this totally preventable disease progresses to the point that toothache and dental abscesses can develop.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• preventive oral care for your baby begins at their first feeding. Wipe off the gum pads using a cloth and water, after each feeding
• DO NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle that has formula, milk or juice in it
• If you nurse all night, remember to wipe off the gum pads
• Once teeth erupt, clean them after each feeding
• Your child’s first dental visit should occur before their first birthday
• No child is too young to be seen by a dentist. There are many pediatric dental specialists who will see them if your dentist is not comfortable seeing children this young.
• This type of infectious disease is 100% preventable

PREVENTION IS THE BEST TREATMENT™