If parents want to know how they should care for their child’s teeth through pediatric dentistry, here are the details.
Dentists recommend bringing in the baby for their first dental checkup once the first tooth erupts. This early dental visit is basically a well-baby check for this first tooth. The dentist will check for any problems, such as cavities. The parent will then receive instructions on how to clean the baby’s new teeth. Talking about thumb-sucking can also help the parent determine when this habit should stop.
Proper dental care must start in the first days after birth. Parents should regularly wipe the baby’s gums with a clean washcloth or sterile gauze. This helps the baby get used to cleaning inside the mouth. Decay can start as soon as the first tooth appears. A fine-bristled toothbrush can clean the first new tooth and the ones that follow. Water is the ideal cleaning agent at this age.
From three to six years of age, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is enough to clean the baby’s teeth. This should happen twice a day. Telling the child not to swallow the toothpaste is important. Supervising the child’s teeth cleaning can ensure that the child does it properly. Flossing can begin once the gaps between the teeth close.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that can strengthen and protect teeth from decay. The dentist can recommend a fluoride treatment during the early dental visits. This is a good way to ensure the health of the child’s new teeth. Another way to care for the infant’s teeth is to provide dental sealants. This is typically a treatment for the child’s first molars. The dentist can reapply the plastic resin coating when the permanent molars appear.
Dentists often advise parents to refrain from using breastfeeding or a bottle of formula as a pacifier. The child should only get milk during meal times. Removing the breast or bottle of milk from the child’s mouth is ideal if they fall asleep. On-demand and night feedings must stop the moment that the first tooth appears. Weaning from the bottle or breast must begin when the baby is a year old. Giving the baby water anytime during the day is better than juice.
When under a year old, the baby should only drink formula or breastmilk. The baby should not drink water, juices, or other drinks at this age. Adding more sugar to the baby’s drinks is not advisable. The parent should always offer water between meals when the baby is more than a year old. Rinsing the mouth with water is vital after eating something sweet. Neutralizing bacterial acids this way can help prevent complex pediatric dentistry treatments.
Sticky candies, gummy snacks, and starchy desserts tend to stay on the teeth for hours. Chips also stick to teeth for long periods. Raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and cheese as snacks can support the good bacteria in the mouth and help fight the bad bacteria that cause problems.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY
Ask your dentist about how to care for your baby’s teeth. Working with the dentist can also help your child learn good pediatric dentistry habits as they grow up.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and…
Seeing an emergency pediatric dentist is important for the child’s immediate relief and general well-being.
Dental X-rays are useful in locating cavities in specific areas of the teeth.
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly…
