Some parents wonder if it’s necessary to brush their baby’s teeth. Can babies even get cavities? The answer is yes, they can. Here’s why and how to prevent it.

Why Babies Can Get Cavities

Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and carbohydrates left behind after meals. If a baby has a lot of these bacteria, they can develop cavities.

Tips to Prevent Cavities in Babies

-Delay Bacteria Introduction: Babies are born without bacteria in their mouths. Try to delay the transfer of bacteria by avoiding activities that share saliva, such as sharing spoons, tasting their food, kissing on the lips or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth.

Avoid Nighttime Feeding With a Bottle: Don’t let your baby sleep with a bottle or stay latched onto the breast all night. Both formula and breast milk contain natural sugars, which can lead to cavities if teeth are exposed to them for long periods.

-Start Brushing Early: Begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Aim to brush once a day, ideally after their evening bottle or breastfeeding session. Use a tiny smear of toothpaste to give your baby the protective benefits of fluoride.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your baby has a cavity-free future!

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Feel free to share this post to help other parents keep their babies’ teeth healthy! More questions? Call to schedule an appointment today at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio. Call 210-680-7841 today!

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Fortunately, the combinations of healthy snacks are endless if you follow the formula of a protein plus carbohydrate. Some protein ideas are meat, cheese, yogurt, milk, nuts and nut butters, or hummus. Carbohydrates are bread or tortillas, crackers, fruit and vegetables, or pretzels, etc.

Tasty Examples of Carbohydrate With a Protein

• Cheese and crackers
• Apples and peanut butter (Dr. Wengler’s favorite!)
• Pretzels dipped in hummus
• Yogurt with blueberries
• Cottage cheese with canned fruit
• Trail mix of Cheerios, raisins, and almonds
• Tortilla with sliced turkey

Schedule Pediatric Dental Appointment

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio, Texas, we believe the key to ensuring your child enjoys not only delicious but also nutritious snacks lies in the simple yet effective pairing of carbohydrates with proteins. This balance not only provides them with the energy they need throughout the day but also offers protection against dental cavities by mitigating the harmful effects of simple carbohydrates.

By incorporating these balanced snacks into your child’s diet, you’re not just satisfying their hunger; you’re also laying the foundation for healthy eating habits that benefit both their dental and overall health. Dr. Derrick Cantu and Dr. Christi Wengler look forward to helping your child develop healthy smiles in San Antonio, Texas. Call 210-680-7841 to schedule your child’s dental visit!

The post Recipe for a Healthy Snacks: Carbohydrate Plus Protein first appeared on Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio.

Chocolate is a mix of sugar and fat, so it’s quickly washed off of the teeth. Compare the experience of eating M&Ms versus the experience of eating jelly beans and gummy bears. The chocolate leaves your mouth after a few minutes, while the jelly beans and gummy bears tend to stick in your teeth for an hour or more. The whole time the candy is stuck in your teeth, the “sugar bugs” and bacteria in your mouth are having a blast and potentially causing cavities.

Also, sticky candies and hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers) are more likely to pull off dental work like fillings, crowns and sealants.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment

While indulging in sweets might be a delightful treat, it’s important to choose wisely for the sake of your dental health and that of your child. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate as preferred by Dr. Wengler, emerges as a surprisingly tooth-friendly option. Its quick dissolvability means less time for bacteria to feast and cause harm, setting it apart from its stickier, harder counterparts.

So, next time you’re child is faced with a choice between a chocolate bar and a pack of gummy bears, remember that chocolate is not only a treat for their taste buds but also a kinder option for their teeth. When in doubt, encourage them to choose chocolate, with a little less worry for their oral health. Dr. Derrick Cantu and Dr. Christi Wengler are pleased to provide pediatric dentistry in San Antonio, Texas, for your child’s smile. Please call Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio today at 210-680-7841 to schedule their dental visit!

The post Why Choose Chocolate Over Sticky Candy? first appeared on Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio.