Good habits form early, so we encourage parents to get in the habit of instilling good dental habits in their children and start focusing on their child\u2019s dental health earlier than they think. If you ever have any questions relating to your child\u2019s dental health, reach out to the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists. We love children, and nothing makes us happier than to see your child smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know regular dental checkups for children should start before the child\u2019s first birthday? Children\u2019s dentists encourage little ones to visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth breaking in and no later than their first birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first dental visit <\/a>isn\u2019t necessarily about checking on teeth, as some children might not have many teeth by their first birthday. Rather, it is more about getting a child used to the sights and sounds of the dental office. The dentist will simply spend some time checking to see how your child\u2019s teeth and jaw are developing. Remember, these early appointments are about prevention!<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we take a knee-to-knee approach when it comes to early childhood dental visits. This allows the parent to hold the child in their lap while we conduct our evaluation. We\u2019ll explain everything that is happening and what we are checking for. We encourage parents to come armed with questions! We\u2019re more than happy to answer them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first dental visit is also an opportunity for parents to learn the proper way to brush their child\u2019s teeth. At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we\u2019ll gladly share tips and tricks for brushing your child\u2019s teeth as they grow from a baby to a toddler and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many new parents don\u2019t realize that it\u2019s best to begin your baby\u2019s daily oral hygiene habits<\/a> as soon as day one. After every feeding, parents can take a clean, soft, moist washcloth and gently massage their child\u2019s gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your child has a tooth come in, it\u2019s time to introduce brushing twice a day. For young children, they only need a small amount of toothpaste equivalent to a grain of rice. Using a soft or ultra-soft-bristled toothbrush, brush each tooth the same way you would brush your own teeth, using slow, circular motions on each and every tooth. Choose a toothbrush that is baby- or child-sized; an adult\u2019s toothbrush will be too large for a child\u2019s mouth, meaning you won\u2019t be able to maneuver it around each tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a child reaches toddler age, the proper amount of toothpaste to use increases, but only to the size of a pea. Remember to teach your child to spit out toothpaste after brushing and not swallow it. Why is this important? Because most toothpastes are fortified with fluoride<\/a>. While fluoride is a natural occurring element and is good for your teeth because it helps build the enamel, or outside layer, of teeth, too much fluoride can cause cells in the bloodstream to block the formation of adult teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to flossing, parents can begin flossing their children\u2019s teeth as soon as they have teeth touching each other. While toddlers might have the fine motor skills to begin brushing their teeth on their own, parents might need to floss their child\u2019s teeth for a few years. Many children are more than capable of flossing their own teeth by the time they reach grade school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instilling good healthy habits in every part of your child\u2019s life will help them in so many ways. Encourage your child to drink water instead of sugary drinks, like sodas and juices. Too much sugar can eat away at your child\u2019s teeth and cause cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStart dental habits from babyhood.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Healthy foods make a healthy mouth.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n