In our last blog post, we discussed some of the ways parents can help their kids become comfortable with brushing and flossing. In this article, we’d like to go into a bit more detail and provide a handful of oral care tips for each stage of life. If you have a question that’s not addressed here, or if you would like to speak with our skilled pediatric dentists, please contact our practice. We’re here to help.
Brushing and Flossing: Begin brushing the teeth with (fluoride free) toothpaste at about two years of age, and flossing once two teeth are touching. As your child grows, let them start to brush on their own and help them to ensure all areas are well cleaned. Fluoride toothpaste should not be swallowed, so we suggest non fluoride toothpaste until your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
Nutrition: Avoid frequent snacking, which can lead to cavities. Children with cavities in their baby teeth often grow up to have more cavities in their adult teeth, so it’s important to teach them good, healthy eating habits as well as oral care habits.
Dental Visits: Your child’s first dental visit to a pediatric dentist should happen by their first birthday. Routine appointments should then occur every six months for life.
Early Orthodontics: Visiting the orthodontist by around age six or seven can ensure your child’s jaw and oral structures are growing as they should. Our skilled orthodontist can help identify concerns, if there are any, and develop a plan to address them before they become serious.
Would you like to learn more? Talk to us today to get additional tips on caring for your child’s teeth and gums.