Our dear dentist, Dr. Merve Gökdoğan, explained how oral care should be performed for babies.
Oral care for babies should begin from birth. The palate, tongue, and later the ridges where teeth will emerge should be cleaned with a clean gauze or cloth. You might wonder, “My baby is not eating yet, why should I clean their mouth?” However, residues from breast milk or formula can create a breeding ground for bacteria in your baby’s mouth, which may lead to various health issues. Once the teeth begin to emerge, oral cleaning can be done using finger brushes. As the child grows, age-appropriate toothbrushes should be used. Since children cannot spit properly until around the age of seven, the use of toothpaste is not recommended until this age.