Infant’s Oral Health

Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD):

Close up of a baby's face while they lay on their tummy on a blanket

You can keep your child’s teeth healthy for a lifetime. Very young children from the time they get that first tooth should be encouraged to “brush”, or have a parent brush for them. Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is also know as Baby Bottle Syndrome, and Early Childhood Caries. It can occur in young children where their mouth and teeth are bathed regularly and often overnight in liquids containing sugar (milk, fruit juices, glycerine, medications).

Going to bed with a bottle is of particular concern. Once your baby has teeth, you should not let them go to bed suckling on a bottle. If your child needs a night bottle water shoul


Lift The Lip:

Cute African baby smiling at the camera

At least once a month lay the baby on your lap and gently lift his/her upper lip to allow you to see the upper teeth. If there is any color change, white or grey, in the areas close to the gums, take your child to see a dentist right away or call your health department/unit. 

Helping children brush:

Follow this link to view an instructional video for parents to help their children brush.


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