When your infant starts to teeth, you may be equal parts sad and excited. Teething is a big milestone in a baby's life and it is understandable that you are happy about the development, but sad that your baby is growing up so fast. Of course, with teething comes the added need to take care of your baby's growing teeth and their oral health. Get to know some of the important facts you should keep in mind about caring for your baby's teeth as their teeth continue to come in and as your child grows. Then, you can be sure you are taking the best possible care of their oral health going forward. 

Clean Gums with a Soft Cloth or Gauze

Your baby, of course, will not get in all of their teeth at once. If you have not yet begun to clean your baby's gums, teething is the time to begin doing so. Use a soft wet cloth or a piece of gauze if you prefer and gently massage your baby's gums once or twice a day. 

This will help to clean off any residue on their gums and prevent any issues from developing. It will also get them used to you dealing with their mouth and eventually all of their teeth which will make continued oral healthcare easier. 

Get an Infant Toothbrush

Infant toothbrushes are specially designed for an infant's mouth. It is small enough to fit in the mouth comfortably and the bristles of the brush are especially soft to accommodate your baby's delicate mouth and gums. 

Begin brushing your baby's teeth as they come in using this toothbrush and a tiny bit of toothpaste. Preferably, you should use a formula specifically designed for infants or children, but a regular toothpaste will do in a pinch. Just do not use whitening formulas as these contain chemicals that may be harsh for your baby's sensitive mouth. 

Go to the Pediatric Dentist

At about the age of one, you should schedule your baby for their first appointment with the dentist. By this time, most children have begun teething or are on the verge of doing so, and going to the dentist will help to ensure that the teeth coming in are healthy and that your baby's overall oral health is good. 

Going to the dentist this early will also help your baby get used to going to the dentist. If it is a part of their regular care routine from one year of age on, they will be less likely to be intimidated or scared about dental appointments and will handle dental procedures better overall in the future. 

Now that you know some of the important facts about caring for your baby's teeth, you can schedule your first pediatric dentistry appointment as soon as possible for your baby.