Dental Care Made Easy For Babies And Children- Your Questions Answered

Apr 6th, 2011
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

When should you begin caring for your infant’s teeth and gums? Dental care for infants begins soon after birth, and even though your baby doesn’t have teeth yet you can start your child on their way to a great smile for life. First steps, before teeth appear, you may keep their gums clean with a clean wet washcloth or gauze, after feeding. This can also be helpful when teething, soothing their irritated gums.

Once your baby develops teeth, usually between six and 12 months, buy an infant toothbrush which has extremely soft rounded bristles that won’t scratch his gums. Ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can cause problems over time. You may want to brush your babies’ teeth with just water.

Even though baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. It’s still important to keep them clean brushed and flossed. This is because the baby teeth are actually placeholders for permanent teeth and if the baby teeth fall out prematurely, permanent teeth may grow in crooked.

As your child grows, make sure you teach him or her how to use their toothbrush properly and how to floss their teeth. You may need to be involved in this process until the time they are six or seven just to make sure they’re getting all their teeth cleaned and flossed properly. After they master the skill of brushing and flossing, you may just need to check up on them regularly in order to make sure they’re doing the proper procedures.

As far as regular dental visits, most dentists recommend bringing your child in for his first check-up soon after the age of one or when teeth appear. Your dentist can help you keep your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy throughout the many stages of childhood from infant to teenager. Establishing good dental health and good dental health routines are critical to your child’s overall health.

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