Before they even talk, babies learn how their teeth affect the overall comfort of their mouth. Even happy babies cry when they are teething. However, they quickly learn to enjoy new flavors and textures as their teeth grow in. Furthermore, as children grow, their smile gives them the confidence they need to make new friends. That’s why it’s important for parents to teach their kids how to care for their teeth when they are young, so they can develop healthy lifelong habits.
Once your baby is born, it’s important to start caring for their gums since saliva is filled with bacteria. To do this, you can use a soft piece of cloth or damp gauze to wipe your infant’s gums. When your babies first tooth comes in, it’s important to start brushing it with a drop of non-fluoridated toothpaste using a small, soft toothbrush in circular motions.
As your toddler grows additional teeth, you can gradually introduce flossing. However, you should practice extreme care not to pull the floss against your child’s gums. Instead, use a gentle back and forth motion to help loosen leftover debris.
Baby teeth are not just temporary teeth. They are also saving places for their permanent teeth once they come in. That’s why it’s important to visit your Boise dentist early when a child is approximately 12 months old or when their first tooth comes in. Doing so will ensure that his or her teeth are growing in properly while making your child familiar with the process.
At Summit Dental Group, we can show you gentle brushing and flossing techniques to enhance your ability to provide your child with adequate dental care at home. Your Boise dentist will also remind you to avoid giving your child too much juice or sweet substances that cause cavities.
Regular dental visits will also notify you of any other oral health conditions your child may have.
When your child becomes slightly older and is able to spit out the toothpaste without swallowing it, you can introduce them to fluoridated toothpaste as they learn to care for their own teeth. Furthermore, it’s important to take your child to visit their Boise dentist at least twice a year for bi-annual cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can also advise you about your local water supply and whether or not your child needs fluoride drops to help prevent tooth decay.
Children enjoy doing things that make them feel grown up. Below are a few fun ideas to help them learn a healthy dental regimen.
Last but not least, it’s important to practice healthy eating habits with your child. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities while making wiser choices like yogurt, cheese, milk, fruit, and nuts.
Developing healthy dental habits with your kids at a young age is a great way to maintain sparkling, white smiles that last a lifetime. Practicing routine at-home dental care, monitoring your child’s oral health, praising their efforts, and visiting the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group every six months can help kids develop exceptional dental health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out our online form or call us at (208) 314-2275.
If you are hoping to protect your smile from cavities, gum disease, and bad breath,…
There are times when you may need to protect or repair a tooth that has…
Although untreated decay can cause extensive damage to your teeth, gum disease remains the leading…
Looking in the mirror or at your old photos makes you insecure because some teeth…
Dental veneers solve a variety of aesthetic problems with the smile. These restorations, typically fabricated…
Addressing cosmetic imperfections in the smile is a goal for many patients at Summit Dental Group in…