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Taking Care of Tiny Teeth

June 12, 2024 Infant

Teething is a big milestone for babies. Some babies start getting teeth around 3-4 months old, while others may not until they’re 6-12 months or even a bit later. It’s smart to start taking care of their teeth early to avoid future problems, build good habits, and help them get used to having their mouths cleaned.

teeth

Teething is a BIG milestone

Taking care of baby teeth is important, even though they’re temporary. Sugars in breastmilk, formula, and other foods can lead to cavities if not cleaned off teeth.

Tooth decay and cavities can be painful and cause problems with eating and weight gain.

Here’s what you can do to help take care of those tiny teeth:

Baby teething with teething ring
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WIPE:

After every feeding, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums. This helps remove any milk or formula residue and bacteria.

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BRUSH:

Once your baby’s first tooth pops up, use a small toothbrush with a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste to brush it twice a day.

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HAVE FUN:

Some kids don’t like brushing their teeth. Try making it a game, listening to a song, or brushing together so they can learn by watching you.

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SUPERVISE:

As your child grows, help them try to brush their own teeth. Watch to make sure they clean all areas of their mouth and keep helping them until they can do a good job on their own.

Taking care of baby teeth
Baby teething with teething ring
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DENTIST:

Take your child to the dentist after their first tooth comes in. The dentist might suggest fluoride treatment to prevent cavities.

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PREVENT DECAY:

To help prevent harmful tooth decay:

  • Avoid giving sugary drinks or snacks.
  • Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle.
  • Switch to using a cup by your baby’s first birthday.
  • Limit pacifier use by age 2 years.

Premature babies need extra care because their teeth may not have strong enamel. Also, medications they may have received in the NICU can affect their teeth. Talk to your baby’s dentist about their needs.

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Make brushing and flossing part of your child’s daily routine for a happy, healthy smile!

Feeding a 6-7 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon and from a bowl, never from a bottle.

Feeding a 10-12 Month Old

Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby, even after you start offering solid foods.

Feeding a 8-9 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon. Never put cereal in a bottle.

Tips

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Breast milk and formula feeding:

Around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age, babies may experience a growth spurt when they feed more often.

As they grow babies can hold more milk, so feedings may become further apart and take less time.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Start offering whole milk when your baby is one year old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.

feeding solid foods

Feeding solid foods:

Wait to offer solid foods until your baby:

  • Can sit up and hold up their own head.
  • Opens their mouth when they see food.
  • Can close their lips around a spoon.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Try one new food at a time. Wait 5 days before trying another new food to watch for allergies. Food allergies may include wheezing, rash, or diarrhea.

Introduce peanut butter around 6 months. Spread a small, thin smear of peanut butter or nut butter thinly on a cracker.  Watch your baby for any reaction for the next 2 hours.

Babies under one year should NOT have honey due to the risk of botulism. Also, babies should not have foods that can cause choking like nuts or whole grapes.

All babies are different. Talk with WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider about your baby’s needs.

Feeding Cues

Feeding a 4-5 Month Old

Before teeth come in, wipe gums with a soft, clean wash cloth after each feeding, especially before bed.

Feeding a 0-3 Month Old

Newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed often. In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours.

Growth Spurts

Many babies are fussy during a growth spurt and will want to nurse longer and more often. This is called cluster feeding. This is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with their needs. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.

Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different.

They often happen at these ages:

two-three-weeks

2 to 3 Weeks

6 Weeks

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3 Months

six-months

6 Months

What foods can I get?

Authorized Food List
Authorized Food List

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