Child’s Oral Health: Expert Advice for Navigating Breastfeeding and Baby’s First Dental Milestones

Understanding how to care for your little one’s teeth, especially during the teething and breastfeeding stages, lays the foundation for happy, healthy smiles. Toronto Kids Dental offers expert insights to guide parents through this stage, addressing common concerns about teething, oral hygiene, and preventing tooth decay. With the right knowledge, parents can ensure their child’s oral health gets off to a strong start. (Source: HealthyChildren.org, Breastfeeding After Your Baby Gets Teeth, December 15, 2022, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/When-Your-Baby-Gets-Teeth.aspx ).

Parenting is filled with wonderful, exciting milestones, and one of the most memorable is the emergence of a baby’s first tooth. While breastfeeding offers immense health benefits, it’s natural for parents to have questions about how teething may affect breastfeeding and their child’s oral health. HealthyChildren.org’s article “Breastfeeding After Your Baby Gets Teeth” provides helpful guidance for parents navigating this exciting stage. Toronto Kids Dental, a leading pediatric dental clinic, offers expert insights to complement this advice and help parents establish a strong foundation for their child’s lifelong oral health.

“At Toronto Kids Dental, we believe that oral health is integral to overall well-being, and it starts right from infancy,” says Toronto Kids Dental. “The earlier parents begin incorporating healthy oral habits, the easier it is to set their child on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.”

Your Baby’s First Tooth

The first tooth often emerges around six months of age, but this can vary. The lower central incisors usually appear first, followed by the upper central incisors. Teething can cause increased drooling, irritability, and a strong desire to chew on objects.

“The appearance of the first tooth is an exciting moment, but it’s also a signal to start thinking about your child’s oral health,” explains Toronto Kids Dental. “We recommend gently cleaning your baby’s gums even before the first tooth appears to create a healthy oral environment. When the first tooth erupts, switch to a soft, baby-friendly toothbrush. These practices help ensure that your baby’s first teeth are healthy and that the gums are well-prepared for additional teeth.”

Toronto Kids Dental also highlights that teething discomfort is natural and provides a great opportunity to introduce safe teething aids. “Chilled, clean teething rings or soft washcloths can soothe sore gums while promoting oral health by encouraging circulation and reducing inflammation,” they add.

Preventing a Breastfeeding Baby from Biting

As babies begin teething, some parents may experience biting during breastfeeding. It is suggested that feeding cues be observed and that a feeding session be ended if biting occurs, using a firm but gentle approach to discourage the behavior.

“Biting during breastfeeding is a developmental stage that most parents encounter,” Toronto Kids Dental explains. “Understanding why babies bite—whether out of teething discomfort, curiosity, or playfulness—can help parents respond effectively. To prevent biting, try repositioning your baby for a deeper latch or removing them from the breast when they seem distracted or restless. Additionally, offering a teething toy before feeding can alleviate gum discomfort, reducing the likelihood of biting.”

Toronto Kids Dental also emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive breastfeeding experience: “Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and supports proper jaw and oral muscle development, which are foundational for speech and chewing later on.”

How to Prevent Baby-Bottle Tooth Decay

Parents are advised to avoid putting babies to sleep with a bottle and to limit sugary liquids, as prolonged exposure to these can lead to baby-bottle tooth decay.

“Baby-bottle tooth decay is one of the most common preventable dental issues in infants,” warns Toronto Kids Dental. “It occurs when sugars from milk, formula, or juice remain in contact with a baby’s teeth for extended periods. To prevent this, we recommend cleaning your baby’s gums after feedings, introducing water as the primary bedtime drink after the first year, and ensuring regular cleaning of teeth as they erupt.”

They further explain that breastfed babies are not immune to tooth decay: “Breast milk contains natural sugars, so it’s equally important to clean the baby’s gums or teeth after nighttime breastfeeding sessions. Simple steps like these significantly reduce the risk of cavities and foster a healthy oral environment.”

Promote Dental Health Right from the Start

The article outlines tips for promoting good oral health in infants, which include cleaning gums, brushing teeth as they emerge, and scheduling early dental visits.

To Stimulate Healthy Gums:

The article recommends using a damp cloth to gently clean the baby’s gums after feedings.

“Stimulating gums is a powerful way to promote oral health even before teeth emerge,” Toronto Kids Dental explains. “Wiping the gums with a soft, clean, damp cloth not only removes milk residue but also prevents bacteria from building up. It’s a simple habit that lays the groundwork for healthy teeth and gums.”

After Teeth Erupt:

Brushing twice daily with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended once the first tooth appears.

“When the first tooth erupts, it’s time to transition to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste,” advises Toronto Kids Dental. “Fluoride helps strengthen and support the enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. Parents should supervise brushing to ensure proper technique and make it a positive experience. Consistency at this stage teaches children that oral hygiene is a natural part of daily routines.”

Once Your Child Has Several Teeth:

As more teeth emerge, flossing and the first dental visit become essential.

“Flossing is equally important as brushing teeth, especially once teeth begin to touch,” notes Toronto Kids Dental. “Regular flossing removes food remnants and plaque between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. As for the first dental visit, we recommend scheduling it for your child’s first birthday. This visit allows us to evaluate your child’s oral development, discuss preventive care, and provide personalized guidance for keeping their smile healthy.”

Toronto Kids Dental also highlights the importance of early dental visits in reducing anxiety: “Introducing your child to the dentist early ensures that visits are stress-free and enjoyable. We focus on building trust and familiarity, which helps children feel comfortable with dental care throughout their lives.”

Teething marks the beginning of an exciting and essential phase in a child’s development. By incorporating healthy oral hygiene habits early, parents can ensure their children’s teeth and gums remain strong and healthy as they grow.

Toronto Kids Dental concludes, “Our mission is to support families in fostering excellent oral health from infancy onward.” “With the right knowledge and practices, parents can make a lasting impact on their child’s health and happiness. Remember, every milestone in your baby’s oral health journey is a step toward a lifetime of beautiful smiles.”

For more information or to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, contact Toronto Kids Dental today.