Adopt these helpful tips to keep your child’s developing smile healthy and happy
With decay being the most common childhood dental disease, it’s important that families know how to keep their child’s smiles healthy. After all, decay can begin as soon your child’s teeth emerge, which is why visiting our Ayer, MA, pediatric dentist, Dr. Kevin Brown, as soon as teeth erupt is a surefire way to keep your child’s new smile healthy and free of decay.
Keep Gums Clean
Even before your baby’s teeth come in you should be wiping their gums with a warm, damp, soft cloth after each feeding, as well as in the morning and again before bedtime. This will get rid of the bacteria and plaque that can develop on the gums as a result of the formula.
Brush Teeth
As soon as those adorable little teeth start poking through, it’s time to brush them!
Of course, you’re not going to brush them in the exact same way you would your own teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you can start using fluoride toothpaste on children even younger than two years old. It’s how much you use that’s key. You should never use more than a dab of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Once your child turns 3 years old, then you can upgrade toothpaste to the size of a pea.
Visit the Dentist
Visiting the dentist is something every child will need to do, and this will usually happen by the time your child turns 1 year old. If your child’s teeth come in even earlier, then that becomes the perfect time to visit our Ayer, MA, pediatric dentist. After their first visit, you will want to bring them in every six months. Children’s smiles grow rapidly, so it’s important that they are hitting those important developmental milestones. This is something that we will be able to monitor whenever your child comes into our office for regular care.
Is It Time for Your Child’s First Dental Checkup?
Do you have questions about how to brush and floss your child’s teeth? If so, our Ayer, MA, pediatric dentist is happy to address any of your questions and provide you with advice and recommendations. Call us at (978) 772-3747.