When should I start to care for my babys mouth?
You will need to care for your babys mouth before their first tooth erupts. After each feeding gently wipe your babys gums with a clean gauze pad or with a damp washcloth. Doing this will prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This happens as a result of over-exposing the gums and teeth to sugary liquids for long periods of time. Among these are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened liquids. Do not give a baby a pacifier that has been dipped in honey or sugar, and do not use the feeding bottle as a pacifier. You should not put your baby to bed with a bottle, but if you must, fill it with plain water, not milk or juice.
