Any pediatric dentist will tell you that good oral health care is important from the time your child has their first teeth. While regular dental visits are important, these do not replace at-home care for young patients. Once your baby’s teeth appear, you need to be diligent about brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Teeth emerge in children’s mouths at different times. However, most babies get their first teeth around 6 months after birth. The first teeth are the central incisors in the upper and lower jaws. Lateral incisors come through between 9 and 16 months while canines come between 16 months and 23 months. Molars can emerge as early as 13 months after the child’s birth. By age three, most children will have all the baby teeth in the mouth.
From the time the first tooth cuts through the gums, parents should begin to clean them. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, a parent should gently brush the tooth with water. After feedings, a parent or caregivers should also take a damp cloth and wipe the tooth. This will remove food and other debris. It is also important to wipe the gums and keep them clean. The pediatric dentist can provide further advice on how to clean a baby’s first teeth.
Parents can use toothpaste on a baby’s teeth, but they should only use a small amount. Around age 2, parents can help the child brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. From this point, the child should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste. It may be helpful to brush even more frequently, such as after the child eats a meal.
Some people neglect flossing as part of their daily dental care. This can be especially common among children. Failure to floss can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and bone loss. Once a child has teeth that touch, it is critical to start flossing. A pediatric dentist recommends that this should occur at least once a day, if not more frequently.
Daily rinsing with a mouthwash is another effective way to kill bacteria on gums and teeth. Children are prone to getting tooth decay. Eating foods high in sugar and drinking beverages such as soda and juice can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. In addition to brushing, using a mouthwash can keep teeth healthy and strong. Parents should consult the pediatric dentist about which products are appropriate and effective.
You should start working with your child on brushing and flossing from the time teeth first emerge. Teach your child good oral hygiene habits and there will be less of a chance of the young patient having cavities and other problems. These daily activities will be good supplements to semiannual wellness visits to the pediatric dentist. If you are ready to take your child in for the first checkup, call your dentist today to make an appointment.
Get more information about Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix at https://nettsmiles.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote long-term oral health. With guidance from a pediatric dentist, parents can help their children understand how to maintain clean and healthy teeth at home. This early exposure can make healthy habits — like brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and eating…
Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most…
When it comes to your child's dental health, the first visit to a pediatric dentist is a significant milestone. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and helps alleviate any anxiety your child may have about visiting the dentist. If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important…
Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the highest level of protection. Providing treatments that will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy will elevate your child’s formative years. Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.Digital dental X-rays are part…
A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote…
There is something parents can do now that will greatly impact their child's oral health.…
If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important to know what to…
Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.
Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this…
You can talk to a dentist for kids for advice on how to prevent childhood…