When do parents need to start focusing on their children’s dental hygiene? Even before those first teeth start to come in. To ensure that kids grow up with healthy (and happy) smiles, mothers and fathers need to set up a simple tooth care routine from the start. There are certain precautions to take at each stage of childhood, as well as some things to think about when it comes to the professional care a child will receive locally -; for example, if you are in the North Carolina area, you can find a great provider from Childrens dentist in Wilmington to practices in Asheville.
To start, even babies need their mouths protected. Running a clean, wet washcloth along their gums after feedings or even just daily can remove harmful bacteria. As the child ages and develops teeth (20 of which were already hidden under the gums at birth), using an infant toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste should be a daily task that mom or dad takes on. By the time the child is two, he should be able to spit on his own. At this point, he can learn to brush his own teeth using a pea-sized amount of paste. By five years of age, parental supervision should no longer be necessary.
That said, parents need to make sure that their children are well educated about dental hygiene so that they don’t make too many trips to Childrens dentist Wilmington! It can be helpful to start ground rules with bottle time, as constantly sucking on a bottle can cause tooth enamel to be eaten away. A children’s dentist will also be happy to show the family proper brushing and flossing techniques. Kid not in the mood to brush his teeth? One way to get children interested in dental health is with science experiments (the most popular one being to soak an egg in vinegar and let the child watch the shell weaken and erode).
When looking for a provider, it can help to check out Childrens dentist Wilmington as opposed to an adult dentist. Children’s dentists are well trained in pediatric issues and can also refer patients to other important practices, such as orthodontists or oral surgeons. Remember – through starting an oral hygiene routine at birth, parents can prevent cavities, gum disease, and much more.
