Experts from Texas A&M University in the USA have reminded future parents that their baby's dental health is directly affected by the mother's dental and oral health.
In fact, germs from mothers' mouths are inevitably passed on to babies after birth.
The experts also shared a timeline on caring for children's teeth to help parents get into good habits from day one.
American dental experts have reminded parents that it's important to look after their child's teeth from the word go, with good habits to adopt before, during and after pregnancy. As well as affecting her own health, the dental health of an expectant mother can also affect that of her baby, the experts stress.
"Statistically, mothers with poor oral health are at risk for premature and underweight births," warns William Wathen, an associate professor at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. What's more, the germs and microbes present in the mother's mouth will be passed to the child, since babies aren't born with their own oral flora.
Although pregnancy is a time packed full with medical appointments, a trip to the dentist to check on oral and dental health is often overlooked by moms-to-be. However, experts strongly recommend check-ups before, during and after pregnancy to identify any cavities or harmful microbes, and evaluate the consumption of high-sugar and high-starch foods, which are bad for teeth.
The dentists' key recommendations are as follows:
A first trip to the dentist at six months old
The experts recommend taking baby for a first dental appointment between the age of six months and one year old. This should be followed by appointments every six months.
Use a finger or soft cloth to clean teeth
When the first teeth appear at around six months old, parents are encouraged to use a soft cloth to wipe teeth before and after feeds (or meals), then again at bedtime to remove any plaque and bacteria. They also recommend massaging baby's gums with a little finger to get them used to having objects other than the nipple in their mouths. This can help prepare them for their first trip to the dentist.
No sugary liquids in baby's bottle
Filling baby's bottle with sugary drinks then letting them go to sleep is a surefire way to guarantee tooth loss, the dentists said.
Clean milk teeth with a small toothbrush
Parents can start cleaning their child's milk teeth using a soft toothbrush with a small head and large handle in a gentle massaging action. Special infant toothpastes are safe to use, but the dentists recommend avoiding fluoride-rich toothpastes until the child is old enough to spit them out, which is usually around three or four years old.
A helping hand for twice-daily brushing
It's not always easy, but parents should try to make sure they brush their child's teeth -- or help their child brush their teeth -- twice a day until they are able to do it themselves, usually around seven or eight years old.
Advice on child tooth care from The American Academy of Family Physicians is available here: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/eating-nutrition/teeth-teething/dental-hygiene-how-to-care-for-your-childs-teeth.printerview.all.html
AFP RELAXNEWS
Thu Apr 07 2016
Specialists recommend a first trip to the dentist between six months and one year old, followed by appointments every six months. - Photo from KPG Payless2/shutterstock.com
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.