Dental Care Tips for Childrens

It has been about 1 year since the birth of your baby and you already notice the first tooth erupted in the tiny mouth. It is about time you take the child for the first dental visit of his/her life. Dental care for infants is a very important part of their overall health. If neglected, there can be a dental infection and other serious problems as the baby grows up. So what are the important things parents should know when taking care of their child’s primary teeth? The following write-up provides an overview of the dental care for infants.

The first dental visit

One of the most frequently asked questions by parents regarding the child’s dental care is about the first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents should take the child to the pediatric dentist by the time the first tooth erupts or by the time the child is one-year-old. During the first visit, the dentist guides parents on important aspects of baby’s dental care.

Bottle-feeding

Ideally, parents should stop bottle-feeding the child by the time the child is 12-14 months old. Parents should be careful not to leave the bottle with the child as he/she falls asleep. Anything, apart from water, that is fed to the child in such conditions can cause tooth decay. Parents should take the advice provided by a pediatric dentist in this regard.

Cleaning teeth

Before the first tooth erupts, parents can use cloths to gently clean the gums of the child. After the teeth start to erupt, parents can use toothbrushes according to the appropriate age of the child. Brushing twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste can avoid tooth caries in children.

Finger sucking

Children commonly have the habit of thumb sucking which may last till they are two years of age. When a child is unable to avoid this practice after this age, parents should contact the pediatric dentist. This habit can intervene in the proper growth of the child’s teeth and cause orthodontic problems.

If you have any queries, feel free to consult our Chino Dentist Dr. Tarsem L Singhal.