Does your child still have baby teeth? No teeth at all? That doesn't mean you shouldn't be practicing oral health care. A healthy smile that lasts a lifetime starts from birth, so make sure you don't neglect it!
Here is how to clean your child's teeth at every age:
- Starting at when your baby is just a few days old, clean his or her mouth by wiping the gums with a clean and moist washcloth. Teeth begin to push through at about six months, and as soon as they appear, decay can occur.
- Once teeth come in, brush them thoroughly twice a day with a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste.
- For children between the ages of three and six, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, continue brushing thoroughly twice a day. Supervise the brushing to make sure your child is doing it correctly, and ensure that they do not swallow any toothpaste.
- Continue brushing your child's teeth until you are confident that he or she can do it on their own.
- Make sure you are also flossing once the child has two teeth that touch.
Don't forget dental visits! You should bring the child in as soon as the first tooth appears. Here is what your dentist will do at your child's first appointment:
- Inspect for cavities and other issues
- Clean the teeth
- Discuss teething, thumb-sucking and pacifier use
- Discuss any treatment that may be necessary and schedule your next appointment.
It is important to make your child aware of the appointment beforehand and let them know what to expect. If you have dental anxiety yourself, do not make them apparent to your child; stay positive to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Any questions? Give us a call at 312-664-2100.
Courtesy of
Mouth Healthy
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