Stutsman Dentistry, Goshen Cosmetic & Advanced Family Dentistry, LLC

574/533-8934, 1801 Charlton Court, Goshen, Indiana 46526

It is important to care for your child's teeth soon after they begin to come into the mouth. At first the use of gauze or cotton to wipe the teeth on a daily basis will help keep the teeth and gums healthy and introduce the child to dental care. The unattended use of juices and milk in a bottle at bedtime can cause a severe and debilitating form of decay called 'infant bottle caries.'

It is caused by the pooling of acid and decay causing fluids around the teeth while the baby sleeps. Involuntary continued sucking by the baby continues to bathe the teeth in the decay causing fluids and the teeth are put at risk. When the child has 4 or more teeth a small toothbrush with water can be used to clean the teeth and help acquaint the child with oral care. Using more than a small 'taste' of toothpaste is not recommended until the child learns to spit. Fluoride vitamins are beneficial by providing fluoride that can be absorbed and deposited into the developing permanent teeth. This is better than fluoride treatments to the surface of the tooth because it never washes off of the tooth and becomes permanently part of the enamel.