If you have a baby, the time to start proper dental care is before their first tooth erupts. You might not realize this but even toddlers can develop tooth decay. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, toddler tooth decay can lead to premature tooth loss of your baby's primary teeth. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to safeguard your baby's delicate teeth. Here are four tips for preventing tooth decay in your baby's teeth.

Start Early with Dental Care

As stated above, proper dental care should begin before your little one has their first tooth. Beginning at birth, wipe your baby's gums down with a damp cloth at least twice a day. This will remove milk residue and prevent bacteria from building up along the gum line. It will also get your little one used to the idea of having something brushing up against their gums. Once your little one has their first tooth, you should switch to a soft toothbrush, Don't forget to floss, either. Even that one little tooth can benefit from being flossed.

Avoid Bedtime Bottles

Bedtime bottles can do serious damage to your baby's teeth, especially if they're filled with sweetened liquids such as juice, formula or milk. Make sure your little one is done with their bottle before bedtime. Wipe their mouth out with a clean cloth and then lay them down to sleep. If your little one must have a bottle when they go to bed, make sure it's filled with clear water only.

Switch to Fluoridated Water

Fluoridated water will protect your baby's delicate teeth. If you're not sure whether your water is fluoridated, you should have it tested. If it isn't, you might want to consider using bottled water for your baby, or asking your dentist about fluoride supplements. In some cases, your dentist may apply a fluoridated sealant to your baby's teeth to help prevent tooth decay.

Schedule Their First Dental Visit Early

To protect your baby's teeth, you should schedule their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts. This will allow the dentist to follow the development of your baby's teeth and take care of minor problems before they develop into more severe dental issues. Early dental visits will also help your little one develop a good relationship with their dentist.

Now that you have a baby, you need to start them on their path to good oral hygiene. Use the tips provided here to prevent tooth decay and help keep your baby's teeth healthy and strong. Contact a business, such as Kids First Pediatric Dentistry, for more information.