The first set of teeth are already there when the baby is born; they are not visible because they are just under the gums. The first set of teeth usually begin to come through the gums until the baby is six months to one year old. The complete set of baby teeth appear in the next two years. Baby teeth are important for talking, eating, smiling and keeping spaces for the adult teeth.

The following are the things you need to know to ensure a good oral health for babies.

• Baby’s diet plan and dental health
  Look for baby foods without sugar. Babies are not born with a sweet tooth. If your babies enjoy having fruit juices, make sure you dilute the juice with lukewarm water (which is boiled). Try giving the babies sweets as a part of the meal instead of giving them in between meals. Giving exclusive sugary fruits and drinks can put your baby’s teeth under the risk of tooth decay. The best way for your baby’s teeth care is to give them foods that help them grow. There are food pyramids charts available on the Internet . You can also consult a pediatrician regarding the same.
• Bottle feeding
  Babies can be weaned off a baby bottle by 12 months. Giving sweet drinks in the feeding bottle can be harmful to the baby teeth. Infants and toddler should not be put to bed with the feeding bottle. They should only be used for feeding and not as a pacifier. It is recommended to give the baby plenty of water and about one pint of milk each day.
• Teething
  Teeth care for babies while teething is extremely important. This is because there is a possibility that the babies might get sore gums when they are teething. This makes them restless and irritable and also affect their sleep. This can lead to digestion-related problems and loose stools. In such cases, try giving the babies something to chew on. You can find a good selection of teething rings in the market. Ensure that the one you buy for your baby is soft material and are big enough so that they do not choke the baby. Ask a pediatrician to recommend one for your baby. Make sure that you consult a doctor before using the gum- numbing ointments for your baby.
• Soothers
  Pacifiers and soothers are yet another factor when it comes to your baby’s teeth care. It is important to ensure that the soother or the feeder you are using for your baby is recommended by an orthodontist. Soothers or pacifiers that are not according to the baby’s mouth can lead to crooked teeth development.
• Dental injuries
  Children who are learning to walk are more likely to fall and injure their mouth. Babyproofing your home can avoid injuries. In the event of a dental injury visit a dentist to stop the bleeding and provide medication to the bleeding gums.

Apart from these, avoid using mouthwash and teeth whitening products as babies have sensitive teeth. Keep a close look on your baby’s teeth and gums and see a dentist if they show any abnormalities in the growth. Healthy baby teeth will pave way for healthy adult teeth and these habits will last them all their lives.