
Jul
Summer is a great time to remember that a child’s Boise dental health is set in motion from a very young age. Tooth decay can develop any time after their first tooth comes in, starting around 4-6 months, and good habits should start even earlier. In fact, children who develop healthy Boise dental habits when they are young – brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, limiting snacks, and regular Boise dental visits – are a firm foundation for a lifetime of good Boise dental health.
As soon as your little one’s first tooth comes in, it should be brushed. That tooth and all subsequent teeth should be brushed gently with a soft, child-sized toothbrush twice a day until the age of 2. After that a small, peas-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be introduced (as long as they are able to spit it out and not swallow it) from the age of 2 to 6. Even before a child’s first tooth comes in, the mouth and gums should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth or infant toothbrush after feedings. Its an unfortunate fact that poor brushing habits help contribute to kids developing cavities. Healthy Boise dental habits established early in life helps set the foundation for children as they get older. So it’s vital for parents to get their children in a healthy Boise dental routine as soon as their first tooth comes in – that way they don’t question the habit later on.
Many parents don’t realize that children should not be put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup, unless it contains water. Instead, many parents fill these containers with milk or juice. Fruit juice or even plain milk (and formula) can be harmful to a young child’s Boise dental health. Each of these beverages contain sugar that, when left to bathe on teeth, can result in tooth decay (or even ear infections!).
Bottles or sippy cups should only be filled with water during naptime. And any time children are allowed to have sugary beverages or snacks, teeth should be either rinsed with water or brushed afterward.