PROTECTING YOUR BABY’S TEETH

Provide suitable food and drinks.

  • Dont add sugar or honey to your child’s food, drinks or dummies.
  • Limit sweet foods, especially between meals.
  • Encourage your child to drink plain water from an early age. Start with cooled, boiled water from a cup from six months and unboiled water from 12 months of age. Don’t give your child soft drinks, cordials or fruit juices, especially in baby bottles.

Use pacifiers wisely.

Research has shown that prolonged use of a dummy,  can affect the way teeth develop and grow and may also lead to misalignment of the teeth.

  • If you wish to use a dummy, introduce it after one to two months, and use it as little as possible.
  • Don’t use a bottle as a pacifier.
  • Don’t leave a bottle with your sleeping child for comfort during the night.

Care for your child’s teeth.

  • Brush your baby’s teeth form when they first appear, using a small soft toothbrush and water.
  • In non – fluoridated areas, use low dose fluoride toothpaste from six months up to six years of age, then change to an adult fluoride toothpaste.
  • In fluoridated areas, use low dose fluoride toothpaste from 18 months up to six year of age, then change to an adult fluoride toothpaste.
  • Start regular checkups for your child from about 12 months of age (or at a younger age if you have any concerns).

 

Decay -  causing bacteria can be passed on, so:

  • Don’t share spoons with your child
  • Don’t clean teats or dummies by putting them in your own mouth
  • Keep your whole family’s teeth clean and healthy.

 

Queensland Health’s Optimal Infant Nutrition: Evidence based guidelines 2003-2008

NHMRC Infant feeding guidelines 2003