If your child's first tooth has erupted, it is already time to take steps to protect his or her dental health. Usually, the first two teeth peak through the gums in the center of the lower palate. Once they present, they become exposed to all the food and drink that enter your little one's mouth. Here are two ways to help protect your baby's teeth:

Take away the bottle as soon as possible.

Even if your child is not ready to be weaned, it is best to only allow a bottle during mealtime. Children who suck a bottle throughout the day constantly bathe their mouth in sugary liquid. Even if the liquid in the bottle appears healthy, unless it is water, it may still be wreaking havoc on your little one's teeth. 

Milk and juice do provide nutrients that your child needs. However, they also contain large amounts of natural sugar.

The lactose of milk and the fructose of fruit juice provide simple carbohydrates on which oral bacteria love to feed. As oral microbes such as Streptococcus mutans feed, they release acid as a byproduct of glycolysis, which is their digestive process. This acid dissolves tooth enamel and causes dental caries.

It is especially important to remove the bottle before your child naps or goes to bed. When your youngster sleeps, saliva production slows significantly. As a result, there is little saliva to dilute the liquid that pools in your child's mouth. This results in the soaking of your child's teeth in a decay-causing solution overnight. 

Take your baby to the dentist.

The first dental appointment should be scheduled as soon as your child's first teeth present. However, it is important to plan for the appointment by talking to your child positively about the dentist before he or she ever sits down in the dental chair.

In addition, choosing a reputable pediatric dental provider will help ensure that your child's dentist is trained to deal with small children and takes additional steps to make young patients feel secure. It is important for the first dental experiences to be fun and non-threatening so that your child does not develop a dental fear that hinders him or her from going to the dentist later in life.

Keeping your child's teeth healthy can help ensure good oral health in the future. For more information, contact Round Lake Dental Clinic or a similar location.