Infants

It’s never too early to begin good oral health practices. Here are the first steps you can take to give your baby a lifetime of healthy teeth.

• Start cleaning your baby’s mouth a few days after birth.
  
• After every feeding, wipe baby’s gums with a damp washcloth to remove plaque.
  
• When teeth appear, clean them with a soft-bristled brush and warm water.
  
• By age three your child can brush his or her own teeth, with parental supervision, using a soft children’s toothbrush with a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Take turns brushing to ensure teeth are being properly cared for.
  
• Avoid baby bottle tooth decay. Don’t let your baby fall asleep while sucking a milk- or juice-filled bottle. Put only water in bedtime bottles.
  
• Fluoride helps fight cavities. NJ water is not fluoridated. If you live in NJ, we suggest that you speak with Dr. Ferguson or your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.