Brushing your child’s teeth and other oral hygiene habits are necessary for several reasons. The first set of teeth (primary) keeps your child’s jaw straightened. The primary teeth also hold the spaces for adult teeth to come in and help your child learn how to smile, chew and speak properly. Learning good oral hygiene habits at a young age can result in lifelong patterns.
Many parents wonder when to begin brushing and flossing a child’s teeth. When the child has teeth that are touching, a parent can start flossing between them. Brushing should begin when the child’s teeth first start appearing. There are several different stages of development in children. Knowing the right oral care tips can help parents manage oral hygiene more effectively.
Parents should begin gently cleaning their newborn’s gums after any feeding (bottle or breast). This is a good way to prevent tooth decay and get rid of plaque buildup. When the child’s first tooth appears, the parents should brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small dab of non-fluoridated toothpaste. This should occur twice a day for two minutes. The first dentist appointment should happen around the child’s first birthday.
When a child is two or older, parents can encourage them to brush with fluoridated toothpaste. This prevents decay as the teeth continue developing. It is important to supervise a child to make sure proper brushing habits are formed. Children should spend two minutes on the back teeth, where the deep crevices make cavities more likely to form. Parents should also consider the snack options and beverages the child is getting.
Children who are five and older will develop permanent molars. Using fluoridated toothpaste is very important at this stage. By now, children should have a routine in place for remembering to brush and floss on a daily basis. Watching what the child consumes is still important as sugary beverages and snacks are more likely to cause cavities.
Dentists can also offer sealants for the child’s molars and premolars. Sealants are thin plastic sheets that cover up the deep crevices found in the chewing teeth. This prevents bacteria and plaque from forming and can reduce the chance of cavities.
Once a child begins school, parents will have less of an influence on what the child is eating and drinking throughout the day. Set good examples at home by eating a variety of healthy and nutritious snacks. Children should still be brushing and flossing regularly using a fluoridated toothpaste. There are toothbrushes designed for a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth that parents can buy.
As a parent, it is your job to set an example for your child. Make sure that you are following good oral hygiene habits yourself so that your child can learn from you. If you are unsure about anything, you can talk to your dentist about ways to improve oral health — both for you and your child.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When your mouth has been worn down due to years of wear and tear, dental restoration can help you get your smile back and improve your oral health. Even if we do not think about it, we rely on our teeth, tongue, gums, jaw, and throat for more than we realize, and keeping all these…
Are you thinking about getting invisible braces? Also known as clear aligners, many people are choosing this type of braces to straighten their teeth. The fact that there are many choices for straightening one’s teeth nowadays means that those living with crooked teeth have choices.It is now simply a matter of choosing which of the…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating issues that affect the gums and the bone structures that support teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading dental problem that periodontics focuses on.Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting below the gum…
As you will discover, there are many differences between an endodontist and a general dentist. Seeing the right dental professional is the first step to taking good care of your teeth. Keep in mind that some general dentists perform the same procedures as an endodontist. However, not all do.The easiest way to think of an…
When we suffer damage to our mouths or the loss of teeth, it is important…
The special smooth plastic material used means there is no possibility of scratching or puncturing…
Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and…
As you will discover, there are many differences between an endodontist and a general dentist.…
Visiting a new dental office is a great way to take charge of your oral…
If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware…