Follow these important tips to help your children’s teeth stay healthy!
Dental health is important at every age. Even children with baby teeth that will eventually fall out need to keep up with good hygiene. Baby teeth play an important role in your child’s overall development, from biting and chewing food to learning to speak properly. And children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities as adults in their permanent teeth. Today we will discuss some best practices for keeping your children’s teeth healthy.
Brushing Tips
Before an infant starts developing teeth, you should wipe the gums with a clean damp gauze, a washcloth, or a specially designed massager. Once the teeth start coming in, though, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the teeth. Toothpaste can be used once the child turns 2, but take care to use no more than the size of a grain of rice of toothpaste. Children usually swallow their toothpaste instead of spitting it out. You should switch to fluoride toothpaste when your child knows to spit it out. If your child wants to brush their own teeth, you may allow them, but you may want to brush them afterwards to ensure that the teeth have been cleaned thoroughly.
Start Healthy Eating Habits Early
How often your child eats is just as important as what they are eating. The risk for tooth decay is increased by frequent snacking. When sugar-containing foods stay in the mouth for a long time, the bacteria in the mouth feast on it, producing acid. This acid is washed away in between meals and snacks by saliva. But if your child is snacking constantly, there is no time for saliva to wash away the acid, increasing the risk for cavities.
Losing the Baby Teeth
On average, a child will start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6. They will usually lose their baby teeth in the same order that they came in. So this generally means the bottom front teeth are the first to fall out.
First Visits to the Dentist
Dentists recommend that children should see a pediatric dentist for the first time by their first birthday. Many new parents find that surprising, but the reality is that preschool-aged children are developing cavities more frequently than in the past.
Ready to Set Your Child on the Path to Healthy Teeth?
Whether you need a checkup or are looking to get your child seeing a dentist regularly, Olney Dental is ready to supply you and your child with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.