The baby should be taken to the dentist after the appearance of the first milk tooth, which occurs around 6 or 7 months of age.
The baby's first consultation at the dentist is then for parents to get advice on how to feed the baby, the most appropriate way to brush baby's teeth, the type of ideal toothbrush and the toothpaste that should be used.
After the first consultation, the baby should go to the dentist every six months, so the dentist can monitor the appearance of teeth and prevent cavities. In addition, the baby or child should be taken to the dentist when:
- Bleeding gums;
- Some tooth is dark and rotten;
- The baby cries when he eats or washes his teeth;
- Some tooth is broken.
When the baby's teeth begin to be born crooked or distant it is also recommended to take him to the dentist. Learn what to do when you should start to drop your baby teeth and how to deal with the trauma to the child's teeth, here.
When and how to brush baby teeth
The oral hygiene of the baby should be performed from birth. Thus, before the baby's teeth are born, the gums, cheeks and tongue of the baby should be cleaned with a gauze or damp compress at least twice a day, one of them the night before the baby's sleep.
After the birth of the teeth, they should be brushed, preferably after meals, but at least twice a day, the last being before bed. In this period, it is already recommended to use a baby toothbrush and, from 1 year of age, toothpaste suitable for babies as well.
Learn how to brush your baby's teeth in: How to brush baby's teeth.
