Expecting or Have a Newborn?
Understanding Which Pediatric Dental Care Methods To Use Throughout The Various Stages of Your Child’s Dental Development
Healthy gums and teeth are imperative for your child’s comprehensive wellness. Pediatric dental care should therefore commence long before your baby’s first tooth emerges. Here’s what you need to know for each developmental stage.
Caring for Gums and Emerging Primary Teeth
Prepare your baby’s gums for teething by wiping with a soft cloth or gauze during bath time. Try not to use toothpaste yet. This daily cleansing will also make the adjustment to brushing easier.
Primary teeth generally make their appearance at about six months, even though some infants don’t start teething until 15 or 18 months. Start brushing teeth twice daily. Be sure to use a kiddie’s toothbrush, and just a dot-sized amount of toothpaste. Opt for baby toothpaste, as most brands contain little or no fluoride. The ideal fluoride recommendation for a child younger than three years is 0.25 milligrams daily.
Brush softly and replace your child’s toothbrush as soon as the bristles become frayed. Your infant’s primary healthcare provider should also inspect gums and teeth at each well-baby visit, and apply a fluoride varnish every three to six months.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
This plays a fundamental role in pediatric dental care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to book their child’s first appointment within 6 months after the initial tooth appears. This visit is usually brief with limited treatment.
It often includes a routine check of your child’s existing teeth, jaw, oral tissue and gums. Your pediatric dentist may also check your child’s bite, clean teeth and ascertain whether fluoride is necessary. He or she may also advise you on efficient oral hygiene, nutrition, dental development, coping with teething and which harmful oral habits to avoid.
Maintaining Your Child’s Teeth
Prevent dental caries by limiting your child’s intake of juice, sweets, dried fruit and jelly. Remember that sugary treats are not the only culprits, and that pasta and bread may also lead to caries. It’s best not to allow your infant to go to sleep with a bottle of juice or formula, as this may increase cavity-causing bacteria.
Teeth should be brushed twice daily and flossed. Children over six years should use mouthwash and ideally see their dentist every six months. Make an appointment with us today for any of your pediatric dental care needs.
