Today, parents comprehend how important good dental hygiene is for every aspect of their child’s health and why early dental habits are hard to break. What can you do to get your child on the right path for a lifetime of good oral health?
Start Even Before the Baby Teeth Come In
It is easy for parents to assume that children’s oral health starts when that first tooth appears. The truth is caring for a newborn’s mouth is just as important.
Start the good habits off right by wiping the baby’s mouth out with a clean cloth after each feeding. That sets the tone for the rest of your child’s life.
Let the baby bite on something cold like a teething ring to help relieve pain as the teeth come in. The cold will ease the pain and inflammation while helping push the teeth through the soft tissue.
Baby’s First Tooth
Introduce your child to the use of toothbrushes as soon as that first baby tooth breaks through the surface of the gum. Use a toddler-sized soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the mouth and massage the gums with plain water.
Avoid putting anything that will go into the baby’s mouth in yours like that toothbrush. That transmits bacteria from you to them.
Get used to examining your baby’s mouth regularly so you know if there is a problem right away. Look for small spots on teeth that may indicate a cavity is forming.
Make Brushing Fun
At age two, start adding a small dab of fluoridated toothpaste to the brush and show your child the correct way to use it. Make it fun for them.
For example, they can play a special song every time they brush. Pick something about two minutes long. They should continue to brush while the song is playing. When it’s over, they spit the toothpaste out and rinse their mouths.
Brush and floss with your child. This will allow them to see how you do it and feel special because you are sharing this time with them.
Eat Dental-Friendly Foods
Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth erode the enamel. Bacteria feed on carbohydrates or sugars. Teach children at an early age to drink water instead of sugary choices like soda and fruit juices.
Also, create healthy snacking habits. A whole piece of fruit or a stalk of celery scrapes plaque off teeth while you eat.
When they do enjoy a sugary treat like candy or baked goods, teach them to rinse their mouths out with water to remove the sugar stuck to their teeth.
Make sure there are plenty of calcium-rich foods in their diet, too. Calcium helps build strong teeth and bones. Some examples of high-calcium foods include cheese and milk.
Introduce the Dentist Early
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first visit at around six months. This allows the pediatric dentist to see how the baby's teeth are coming in and deal with any problems that might be developing.
It also gives your baby a chance to experience the dentist’s office and chair. It helps them see the dentist as a friend, not the enemy. That helps prevent dental fear in children.
That first visit is as much for the parents as it is for the child. You have to get used to seeing the dentist work on your child’s mouth. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and start your child's dental journey right.
Pediatric dentists like Jeffrey Jones, DDS undergo specialized training that teaches them the nuances of child-friendly dentistry. Call the office at Liberty Family Dentistry today and make an appointment for your child. Our team can answer any questions you might have about your child’s dental health.