How to Clean the Mouth in Babies?

Children's first visit to the dentist should usually begin with their first birthday or the eruption of their first tooth. Early diagnosis is the most important step in preventing future problems. In this first examination, families are made aware of the baby's oral and dental care and problems that can be detected early in the child are evaluated. In the first examination, the baby is usually placed on the mother's knees and a visual oral examination is performed. The baby's habits such as finger sucking, false pacifier, bottle use are also evaluated in this session and families are made aware of changing habits.

Although oral hygiene in babies is often thought of as a process that begins after teeth erupt, this is not the case. For babies, the first 4 months are important for the development of oral functions and muscles. Even if it is recommended to feed only with breast milk during this 4-month period, families have to use a bottle when milk is not enough. In order for the baby's development to continue healthy, oral checks should be done regularly and oral hygiene should not be neglected.

Teeth cleaning in babies should start as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth. At this stage, finger brushes, a damp cloth, cheesecloth or gauze or ready-made xylitol tooth cleaning wipes are the easiest alternatives to use.

How to Clean Babies' Mouths

Cleaning the mouth of babies can be done easily. A clean cheesecloth or gauze can be soaked in boiled and cooled water and used to clean the inside of the mouth. With a soaked cloth, you can gently wipe the baby's cheek and tongue. After breastfeeding the baby, the mouth can be cleaned in this way every time or once a day. When cleaning the baby's mouth, it should be checked to see if thrush has formed in the mouth. 

When it comes to cleaning the baby's mouth, the bottles and spoons used must also be hygienic. 

Recommendations for Oral and Dental Care for Babies

As your baby grows and tolerance increases, a soft-bristled baby toothbrush can be used without paste or with pastes suitable for 0-3 years. This habit should be acquired at a very young age with special toothbrushes that make it easier for babies to grasp.

Babies with sleep problems should not be given milk with sugar or honey. Such sugar-containing drinks can lead to tooth decay. When the rate of saliva in the mouth decreases, it decreases in the pre-sleep period. These sugary foods given at this stage do not have a beneficial effect on dental health.