Your family dentist looks after the oral health of each family member. The youngest members of your family also benefit from dental care as well. You likely take your baby to multiple appointments with the pediatrician to track their physical development and health. Their dental health is also important. Your family dentist will be able to share important information to keep your baby's oral health on the right track as they grow. Here are four ways to support your baby's oral health.

Brush your baby's gums when they start teething.

A key part of keeping your baby's oral tissues healthy is making sure that you keep them clean. As soon as your baby starts to show signs of teething, use a soft baby toothbrush and warm water to clean their gums. This helps to stimulate the gums and also to remove any harmful bacteria. As your baby's teeth begin to appear, you can continue to brush with warm water. Consult with your family dentist about the best time to start using toothpaste with fluoride to help support healthy tooth and gum development.

Take your baby to the dentist by their first birthday.

Take your child to their first dentist appointment by their first birthday. Although your child is young, that does not mean that they cannot benefit from dental care. The dentist will be able to identify any potential sources of concern for your baby's dental health, as well as provide insight into good dietary and oral hygiene practices. Although your child's first teeth will fall out and be replaced by their permanent teeth, they still need to be cared for.

Offer water instead of juice as a drink.

Offer your baby more water than juice. Juice is full of sugars and acids that can erode their tooth enamel and add to tooth decay. On the other hand, water helps to rinse away food particles and harmful bacteria after meals. Tap water often has fluoride, which is helpful because it strengthens your baby's teeth by replacing minerals. Safe levels of fluoride are added to local water sources and are perfectly fine for your child to consume.

Avoid sharing utensils and cups with your baby.

Avoid sharing utensils and cups with your baby. Your saliva may carry a bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria can cause tooth decay in young children, resulting in cavities. Streptococcus mutans can be passed on by sharing any eating implements or even by kissing your child on the mouth. Keep a set of utensils specifically for your child if you plan to feed them off your own plate.

To learn more, contact a family dentist.