Your kids’ teeth are vital to their overall health. As parents and dental professionals, we love to help you instill strong oral hygiene habits with your kids from an early age. Our goal is to assist your child in developing healthy dental habits while preventing cavities. Poor dental hygiene in kids can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental concerns. We have come up with some Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care.

Learning how to care for their teeth and gums is the first step toward good oral health.

Oral Care for Infants

Many parents struggle with how soon is too soon to bring your child to the dentist? We recommend bringing your child into our SLC Pediatric Dental office as soon as the first tooth erupts. “Why so early,” you ask? We want to make sure your child establishes a fun experience and a high level of comfort at an early age. Some things you can also do at home with your child to establish positive dental health habits are, to wipe your baby’s gum after feeding. And get them a baby toothbrush. Taking excellent oral health care is vital, but what about baby teeth? Your baby’s teeth are already developing within their jaws at birth. So Dr. Ari advises good dental care before your baby’s first teeth appear.

Kids Dental Care 0-6 Months

Practicing proper children’s oral health care is the first line of protection against probable tooth decay in newborns and children. First, make careful to brush their gums after constantly eating gently. Then, wrap a moistened, soft, clean washcloth around your index finger and gently massage the gum tissues.

Teething typically begins at 4–6 months. If your child has red, puffy gums and excessive salivation, giving your child a cool, damp towel or a clean teething ring will help reduce the discomfort. You may also refrigerate the teething rings to soothe inflamed gums.

Because tooth decay is contagious, never use your mouth to verify the bottle’s temperature, wipe the nipple or pacifier, or exchange utensils (especially spoons). These habits might promote tooth decay in your child.

6 to 12 Months

Salt Lake City UT Dental treatment for your baby’s first teeth typically starts between 6 to 8 months of age. That’s why parents need to care for their baby’s teeth from the first month. Even if the first tooth has erupted, continue washing and massaging your baby’s gums after feeding.  

Beyond that we recommend you limit sugary beverages and provide children with nourishing foods.

Examine your baby’s gums and teeth. Look for little white or brown patches on their teeth, which indicate early dental decay. Call a pediatric dentist near you right away to schedule a child’s dental visit. Baby teeth should be checked within six months after their first birthday. Ask your kids’ dentist about newborn fluoride supplements if your water is not fluoridated.

After Your Child’s First Dental Exam Around 12-18 months

Baby teeth should be brushed twice a day with simple water and keep checking their teeth for potential cavities. Set up a dental appointment for your child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry to maintain appropriate dental hygiene for your child’s teeth and gums.

18 Months To About The Age Of 5

Teach your toddler the value of oral health. By three years old, pacifiers and thumb-sucking should be gone. In addition, your child’s primary teeth should be fully formed by age 5. Introduce a pea-sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste to your kid and train them to spit it out. Teach your toddler to clean their teeth as their fine motor abilities improve. Be gentle and teach them good brushing techniques. 

Even if they can clean their teeth, continue to check for dental rot.
Take your child to the dentist every six months. Talk to the dentist if your child continues to suck a pacifier or thumb.

Children’s Dental Health Facts for Parents

Our friends over at New Providence Dentistry, the best dentist in New Providence remind us that dental experts continue to promote excellent dental health in youngsters. We’ve gathered helpful facts regarding your kids’ dental health to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Around age 6, most kids lose their first tooth

Primary teeth are important for your child’s oral growth and permanent tooth spacing. Primary teeth can sometimes last until the age of 12.

Contact Us Today!

We believe that excellent oral habits start young. So let us help you take care of your children’s oral health. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry now for the best care.