When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
Seeing your little one’s first baby tooth arrive is such an exciting milestone! But did you know that oral hygiene practices should start even before any teeth come in? Here’s all you need to know about caring for your child’s dental health right from the start for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Care for Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth play an essential role in speech development and help your little one chew, ensuring adequate nutrition. They also act as placeholders and guides for the adult teeth developing behind the scenes, allowing them to come in correctly. Losing a baby tooth early on can result in the neighboring teeth shifting and tilting out of alignment, which will likely require orthodontic treatment down the road. Establishing proper oral hygiene practices at a young age will safeguard your child’s smile and will set the stage for healthy oral care habits that will last into adulthood.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?
Brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride-free infant toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush designed for babies starts as soon as you see the first tiny chomper arrive. In fact, you should clean your little one’s gums regularly with a damp, clean cloth even before any teeth emerge. If your child is under two years old, use a tiny smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Avoid using fluoridated toothpaste under age three unless advised to do so by your child’s dentist. After age three, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, or as recommended by your trusted team at Afton Dental.
Keep an eye out for signs of baby tooth decay, such as white or brown spots or pits on the teeth. If you notice any symptoms of dental problems, contact our office for an appointment right away.
What Is the Importance of Preventive Dental Care?
Routine dental exams and cleanings are just as important as meticulous dental care at home. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit within six months of the first tiny tooth erupting and no later than the first birthday. When you visit our office, our kid-friendly team will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health and development and may recommend preventive or restorative procedures, as needed, to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Moreover, we will demonstrate how to care for your little one’s oral health.
Quality Pediatric Dentistry Near Me
Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, to learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy right from the start. We are committed to delivering exceptional pediatric dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. We look forward to helping you get your little one’s smile off to a great start! Call us and schedule your appointment today!