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.
A veneers dentist helps you achieve a brighter, more balanced smile by placing thin, durable covers over teeth that show signs of wear or permanent staining. These custom-made layers provide a fresh start for anyone who feels tired of hiding their teeth behind a hand or staying out of photos. Choosing this path allows a…
Good oral health habits early in life are critical for a child's overall well-being. Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive care designed to meet the unique needs of children, such as higher tooth decay risk. This sets a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. From their expertise in children's dental development to their kid-friendly approach,…
As they get older, many adult patients in the care of family dentistry offices express concern about the persistent discoloration of their teeth. This shift occurs despite a consistent brushing routine, leading many to wonder if they are experiencing an underlying health issue or simply the effects of aging. By examining the biological and environmental…
Getting a new smile is an exciting milestone. However, the hard work does not end once the procedure is over. Following the aftercare instructions from your implant dentist is the most important step you can take to protect your investment and ensure a quick, pain-free recovery. Even with the advanced technology behind dental implants, the success of…
A veneers dentist helps you achieve a brighter, more balanced smile by placing thin, durable…
Good oral health habits early in life are critical for a child's overall well-being. Pediatric…
The most common reasons for yellowing teeth in the adult mouth involve internal factors that…
By following these aftercare instructions from an implant dentist, you can avoid the most common…
Dental restoration is key to the success and appearance of dental implants.
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one…