After six months, the first teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. Babies can be uncomfortable during teething. Clean teething rings which have been cooled in the fridge can help. Babies often like a piece of apple to bite on as well. Ask your pharmacist about anaesthetic teething gels also. Remember, if a baby seems unwell for more than a day, it may not be due to teething problems, so do get medical advice.

 

As soon as the teeth erupt, begin cleaning them either with a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush at bath time.

 

When you clean baby’s teeth, remember to lift the lip and make sure the teeth get cleaned right to the gums. Check for any marks or stains on the top front teeth. If you notice any changes, ask a school dental therapist or your family dentist to have a look.

 

You can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste to help keep the teeth hard. Choose a mild flavour. It is recommended that regular fluoride toothpaste be used to maximize the effect of fluoride.

 

Ask the local school dental therapist or your dentist for advice. They will tell you which fluoride to use to give your baby’s teeth the best protection.

 

When foods with sugars are eaten, bacteria in the mouth make acids that dissolve teeth to form holes. The main risk for tooth decay is frequent drinking and eating foods which contain sugars. Therefore avoid giving your baby a bottle or a sipper cup with juice, cordial, or other sweet drinks to carry around or to go to sleep with. If you have to use a bottle, just make sure it has only water in it.

 

If you have decay, you should make sure you get your teeth fixed because decay is contagious (catching). You can pass on the decay bacteria to your baby. Remember not to share spoons and food with your baby to avoid passing on your bacteria. Your dentist can advise you other ways to decrease the risks for your baby.

 

Ideally, all children should have their first dental visit by the time they are one year old. You can ask the local dental therapist or your family dentist. The therapist or dentist can check for any developing problems and can give you good advice about ways to keep the teeth healthy.

 

 

Let's talk teeth (Ministry of Health, NZ) www.health.govt.nz
The Ministry of Health's Let's talk teeth website provides information about the free basic oral health service available from birth until your child's eighteenth birthday. It also provides advice about cleaning and looking after teeth and about healthy food for healthy teeth.

See the booklet at right - It's easy to protect your family's smile, also available in Cook Islands Māori, Māori, Niuean, Sāmoan, Tokelauan and Tongan.

To find out how to enrol your child in the free oral health service, call the free phone line.

0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583