A baby can develop tooth decay before their second birthday.

Today is World Oral Health Day, so let’s talk about something many parents don’t realise.

Q: At what age should a mother start brushing for her child?

A: Great question!

Taking care of your baby’s mouth actually starts from birth.

If oral care is delayed, babies can develop a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay. This happens when teeth are exposed to sugary liquids for long periods,  such as milk, juice, or sweetened substances, especially during sleep when saliva production decreases.

Here are a few tips to help protect your baby’s teeth:

1. Start cleaning early
   Even before teeth appear, gently clean your baby’s gums once a day using a piece of moist gauze or soft cloth wrapped around your finger.
2. Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
   Brush your baby’s teeth twice daily. Use a small amount of toothpaste. Before your child learns to spit, use non-fluoridated toothpaste (toothpaste without fluoride)
3. Avoid sleeping with bottles
   Do not allow babies to fall asleep while feeding on the breast or with bottles containing milk, juice, or sweetened fluids. This keeps teeth from prolonged exposure to sugar.
4. Be careful with pacifiers
   Do not coat pacifiers with honey or sugary substances.
5. Transition from bottle to cup early
   As your child grows, begin introducing a cup and gradually reduce bottle use.

Starting oral care early helps ensure strong, healthy teeth for life.

– Dr Ketch