Around six months of age, most babies begin getting their first teeth and are ready to start eating solid foods. During this crucial transitory period, it is important for parents to begin introducing the right foods into their child's diet, and to continue taking good care of their child's teeth. At Westmount Dental Centre, a family and children's dentist in Edmonton, we make sure that all parents know how to help their children's teeth grow in healthy and strong.
Great Solid Foods to Start On When your baby starts showing an interest in eating solid foods, you can begin by introducing them to baby cereal. Baby cereal is mild in flavour, making it less likely that your little one will find it unpleasant, and easy to take from a spoon. You can make the cereal easier to eat at first by mixing in breast milk or formula, and then slowly add less liquid over time to get your baby used to thicker foods. Edmonton dentists will also agree that now is also a great time to start introducing your baby to fruits and vegetables. Any fruits and vegetables are a good choice, but softer ones will be easier for your baby to handle initially. Many parents start on bananas because they are sweet, easy to chew (or to mush up with baby gums!) and full of vitamin C. Other popular choices include sweet potatoes, avocado, and winter squash. On top of being easy to eat, all of these foods provide nutrients which promote the development of healthy teeth and gums. Keeping the Gums and Emerging Teeth Healthy Children’s dentists in Edmonton will also encourage you to start caring for your baby's oral health before they even have any teeth. Before the teeth come in, you can clean your baby's gums with a soft, wet washcloth or a wet piece of gauze wrapped around your index finger. This will promote healthy gums, and it will get your baby accustomed to having their gums cleaned. As the first few teeth begin poking through, you should gently begin brushing with a toothbrush intended for babies. Brush twice a day using a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. As soon as your baby has two adjacent teeth you can also begin flossing in order to dislodge pieces of solid food which may have remained after their meals. Most importantly, remember that when it comes to taking care of your child's oral health, you are not alone. The West Edmonton dentists at Westmount Dental Centre are here to provide you with all of the help and guidance you need. As a children’s dentist in Edmonton, we can regularly clean and exam your child's teeth to make sure that their oral health is well looked after. Children’s Dentistry in Edmonton If you have any more questions about caring for your baby's teeth and gums when they start eating solid foods and would like to book an appointment, just contact Westmount Dental Centre today.
Comments