MOTHERS' HELPLINE:Baby's Dental Hygiene with Dr Farooq Sorathia

Dr Farooq Sorathia Resident Dentist at Karen Hospital

1.When to expect the first tooth

•   The first baby tooth is expected to come out at 6 months
  
  

2.What to expect when teething

• Soreness and swelling on the gum before the tooth erupts
• Usually lasts about 5 days before the tooth appears
• Babies may bite on their fingers or toys to relieve discomfort on gums

3.Care of Teeth

• Before teeth Erupt

1. —  Use a soft moist gauze
2. —  Wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding
3. —  Wipe your baby’s gums atleast TWICE a day

• How to help your child during teething

1.  Use a cold teething ring
2.  Rub the baby’s gum with a clean finger – this soothes them

4.Care of teeth

• After teeth Erupt

1. —  Soft toothbrush
2. —  Baby toothpaste – use the size of a grain of rice
3. —  Make sure you brush your baby’s teeth until they are old enough to be able to do it themselves
4. —  Brush TWICE a day

 

5.How to prevent Decay

•  Baby bottle can be filled with

—  Formula

—  Breast Milk

—  Water 

1. This should be finished and baby’s teeth cleaned before sleeping or nap time
2.   DO NOT let the baby sleep with the bottle
3.   Avoid putting sugary drinks or fruit juice in the baby bottles

Dr Farooq attends to a patient