Why Is it Important to Take Care of Baby Teeth?

The following are pointers for parents for proper oral hygiene in children:

• Take your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts, and no later than the first birthday. This serves as a “well-baby checkup” for the teeth, and it provides parents the opportunity to learn how to clean the teeth properly, and how to handle bad habits like thumb sucking.
• Do not put sugary liquids, including diluted juice, in a baby bottle, especially while your baby is in bed, as this can lead to “baby bottle tooth decay.”
• Even before the teeth erupt, you can clean your baby’s mouth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or a soft, damp washcloth.
• Use fluoride toothpaste as soon as the teeth come in with a small smear of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Brush the teeth twice per day, and supervise children while they brush their teeth.
• By age 3 until age 6, your child should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and continue to brush thoroughly twice per day.
• Use a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and the correct amount of toothpaste depending on your child’s age.
• Once your child has two side-by-side teeth the touch, you should start to clean between their teeth daily.

Caring for a child’s teeth is relatively simple, and your child’s pediatric dentist can help you come up with an action plan for a proper oral hygiene regimen. To learn more about pediatric dental care, please contact Adventure Dental and Orthodontics today by calling (661) 251-0200 to book your child’s dental appointment.