Wipe baby's teeth and gums after breast feeding? i read recently that you should wipe your baby's teeth and gums with a soft cloth after breast feeding to help prevent tooth decay. i've never heard of this before, and don't know anyone who has done it. is

Dentists : Dentists are most concerned about children who fall asleep with the last mouthful of milk (even breast milk has sugar!) left in their mouth that will feed the bacteria that will excrete the acid that will break down enamel, etc. It is not as worrisome if the feeding is not going to lead to the child falling asleep, as the normal flow of saliva will clear most of the sugar away. If your child takes a bottle to bed, it should be filled with water! if your child falls asleep at the breast, keep that soft cloth handy!

Yes: Just as you would brush after meals, breast milk contains sugar and to prevent caries, a tooth wipe or soft towel can be used.

Great advice: Well, someone had to tell you to do this, and it's great advice. Remove the sugar-containing milk from the teeth/gums, as well as the bacteria that convert the sugars to acids. Get your child used to good oral hygiene, and it becomes a life-long benefit. Please take your child for 1st dental appt no later than age 1, and consider seeing a pediatric dental specialist.

This is correct!: Milk on teeth in a warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that cause cavities. So with a new born that is starting to have teeth grow in, wiping them with a 2x2gauze pad or soft wash cloth and mild child's toothpaste is proper oral hygiene for infants. You can change to a brush, as your child gets older and more teeth grow in!

Clean after feeding: One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.

Definitely: Any liquid, other then plain water, can cause early childhood caries, mother's milk included. Before teeth use a damp gauze to clean gums. Once teeth erupt use and infant sized toothbrush and non-fluoridated infant tooth paste after each feeding. See a pediatric dentist soon after the first tooth erupts. Preventive dentistry started the younger the better to prevent future problems.