The University of Iowa Clinic for Infants and Children

Š1994 The University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Infant Care

FACTS ABOUT YOUR BABY'S TEETH

When yo ur baby is born, the first set of teeth are almost completely formed inside the jaws and under the gums. At this time the permanent teeth are just beginning to form.
Your baby's first set of teeth are important for the following reasons:
*Chewing of food to help develop bones and muscles.
*Giving your baby a nice appearance and smile.
*Helping your baby learn to talk.
*Saving space for the permanent teeth to grow in straight.
You sh ould keep your baby's teeth clean as soon as they erupt.
Fluoride is one of the most important factors in preventing tooth decay. Because the amount of fluoride in water varies with each community and with different sources of drinking water, y ou should consult with your pediatric dentist for advice regarding your child's need for fluoride supplementation.
Many of a baby's dietary habits, likes, and dislikes are formed during the first two years of life, a time when the parents have th e greatest influence over the diet.

YOUR BABY'S DENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Although the first tooth appears around 6 months of age, the baby's first set of primary teeth ("baby teeth") are nearly completely formed at birth. Birth also marks t he beginning of the formation of a baby's permanent teeth. This process will continue for the next 13 years or so. During tooth formation, proper health and an optimal fluoride program offer the best chance for healthy teeth. Your pediatric dentist can assist you in promoting optimal dental development.

Teething

The eruption of the first few teeth is sometimes associated with symptoms and is referred to as "teething". Symptoms of sore gums, restlessness, irritability and disruption of ea ting and sleeping habits may be present, which may upset the digestive system resulting in loose stools. However, serious health problems do not arise from teething; A sick child should be evaluated by a physician and not be passed off as "just teething" . If your infant experiences difficulties, contact your pediatric dentist for advice and recommendations for proper management.

YOUR BABY'S DIET

Once teeth have erupted, the bacteria present can produce acid from the sugars that are present in the diet. Frequent sugar intake and sugar foods that remain in the mouth for prolonged periods of time are the greatest causes of tooth decay.

Bottle Feeding

Both formula and milk contain sugar which can be harmful once teeth start erup ting. It is important to avoid letting your baby develop the habit of sleeping with a bottle at night or at naptime. The bottle should be used for feeding purposes only and should not be used as a pacifier.

Breast Feeding

While you are nur sing it is important to maintain a well balanced diet. The severe form of tooth decay called "Nursing Caries" which results from the improper use of the bottle can occur with improper breast feeding practices as well. Once teeth have erupted it is impor tant to follow a reasonable feeding schedule and to avoid prolonged feedings. Avoid allowing the infant to nurse all night, which can occur when sleeping with the infant.

Solid Foods & Snacks

Between 3 and 6 months of age, you will be gradu ally introducing your baby to solid foods. Dietary habits are established during the first few years. Chose foods carefully, avoiding those that contain large amounts of added sugar. Vegetables and fruits contain all the natural sugar your baby needs. The ingredients listed on commercial baby food labels appear in order of usage. Therefore, it is easy to select store-bought foods that do not include added sugar as a major ingredient. It is not necessary or desirable to add sugar to baby foods. If yo u prepare your own baby foods do not add sugar or salt.

Snacks for toddlers and older children should be low in sugar and should not be sticky foods that remain in the mouth for long periods of time such as chewy candies and raisins. Foods such as ve getables, fruits, cheese and unsweetened fruit juices are readily accepted by children who have not previously formed the habit of eating snacks th

ORAL HABITS

Thumbsucking

Sucking is a natural and normal desire and need for the inf ant. Considerable satisfaction is derived from sucking during the first year of life, and should not be discouraged if the infant has chosen to do so. If the habit persists past 4 or 5 years of age you should consult your pediatric dentist for advice re garding it's affect on oral development, if any, and recommendations for management.

Pacifiers

A pacifier is not necessary for every child. Controversy exists concerning whether a thumb or pacifier is best. The decision is up to the parent s, or in many cases the infant. If you feel your baby needs a pacifier, ask your pediatric dentist or physician for the correct style. Avoid putting sweets, honey, etc. on the pacifier to encourage its use.

Cleaning of the Teeth

Bacteria b egins to accumulate in the mouth and may combine with sugar to form acid as soon as the teeth erupt. Along with limiting foods containing sugar, the cleaning of an infant's teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. The teeth can be wiped wit h a piece of gauze or a clean washcloth initially. When your child has adjusted to the routine of daily tooth cleaning, you can begin using a small toothbrush. At this early age, toothpaste is not necessary.

As more teeth erupt, flossing may or may no t be required, depending upon the presence or absence of spaces between the teeth. Your pediatric dentist can demonstrate the proper technique for tooth cleaning for an infant, and advise you regarding the need for flossing and assist you in mastering th e technique if need be.

Dental Injuries

Falls, bumps and bruises are a normal part of the growing-up process of infants and young children. Injuries to the mouth and teeth are quite common between the ages of 12-18 months, when the infant i s learning to walk. Any injury which causes bleeding that doesn't stop readily or that results in tooth fractures or teeth being intruded should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist. Frequently all that will be required following an injury is close obser vation. However, this can only be determined by having the injury examined.

Your Child's Dental Health

With current knowledge and technology, it is possible to prevent tooth decay in children. However, a proper preventative program must be gin in infant and the efforts need to be consistent and continuous to be effective. You and your chid should visit a pediatric dentist by the time your child reaches 1 year of age to receive information on how to begin a proper preventative program.

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry recognizes the great benefit and the importance of early evaluation and caries prevention in infants along with the need to provide important preventative information to parents.

We have established an Infant Oral Health Program specifically for the purpose of evaluation of the oral health and the prevention of dental decay for non-traditionally aged child dental patients, those from birth to three years of age. A ma jor emphasis is placed on helping parents to design a proper preventive program for their children.

If you desire further information or wish to schedule an appointment in the Infant Oral Health Program please call 353-6711, Monday-Friday, 8 a. m. to 5 p.m.

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nellie-kremenak@uiowa.edu
Dows Institute for Dental Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242

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