Did you know that the environment that leads to tooth decay in
young children is becoming established well before any first teeth even
appear in the mouth?
It is important that the acid producing bacteria that causes tooth decay
not be allowed to colonise the infant's mouth in the first place.
Important rules to remember:
Do not infect the infant's mouth with your own bacteria, for
instance by cleaning a dummy or spoon with your own mouth and saliva.
Tooth decay bacteria have been shown to be transferable from mouth to
mouth!
Do not allow the infant to stay on the milk bottle or breast for
longer than is needed to feed.
Do not allow food or milk debris to build up in the infant's
mouth.
Keep the infant's mouth and gums clear of food debris even before
they get teeth.
You should clean the infant's gum pads (even before they get
teeth) with:
A moist towelette, or
A purpose designed Infant Gum
Massager which is much easier to cold sterilize along with
other baby goods, than the moist towel method.
The Infant Gum Massager is made of inert long lasting silicone which is worn snugly on the
carer's washed finger for safe and easy access to the infant's mouth. The infant
gum massager has both smooth and bristled components to clean, massage
and stimulate the infant's gums for normal development. No tooth paste is required in the early stages before any teeth show. The bristles of
the infant gum massager are also helpful while teeth are erupting
("growing") in those very early stages. Once the front baby teeth fully
come into the mouth, then it is time to introduce the infant to their
very first toothbrush and low-Fluoride toothpaste.
Notice: Do not leave infant unattended and in possession of this device. Keep out of reach of young children. Swallow/Inhalation hazard.
