We always tell parents to bring their child to start brushing their child’s teeth right after the first one appears. In fact, children need to see the dentist when the first tooth arrives. As additional teeth erupt, they should be checked every two weeks by mom or dad for signs of discoloration that might indicate decay. We also share with parents these other good early oral hygiene tips:
Brush twice a day. Until they can do it themselves, brush your child’s teeth after every big meal, and at bedtime. When brushing a younger child’s teeth, use a soft-bristled brush and pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Note: Don’t use fluoride toothpaste, unless told to do so by a dental health professional, in children under age 2.
Don’t forget to floss. Flossing gets gingivitis-causing food debris that’s lodged between the tooth base and gumline. It’s an essential part of any good oral hygiene program, so ask us when it’s time to start flossing your child’s teeth.
Consider tooth sealants. Because it is so hard sometimes to brush and floss a young child’s teeth, another decay-prevention step you can take is to have a sealant applied to their teeth. Sealants last for years and are effective at protecting hard-to-reach areas. We will evaluate the sealant’s status during a child’s regular checkup.
See the dentist 2X a year. Remember, for happier, healthier smiles the AAPD recommends an exam and cleaning for your child every 6 months. That will help ensure that their mouth stays healthy, and their smiles more natural-looking, as they develop on the road to adulthood!
We love seeing patients of all ages, especially children, and try to make their office experience- and mom or dad’s- as comfortable, fun and relaxing as possible. If you have any questions about how to keep your child’s smile looking naturally beautiful for many years to come, or would like to schedule an appointment for your child with us, call Carrollton Smiles today at (972) 245-3455!
