It’s no secret that kids get cavities. However, did you know that tooth decay is the number one most common chronic childhood disease? In fact, studies suggest that 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Many professionals believe this is connected to misinformation about when parents should start cleaning their child’s smile. Read on to learn more about when you should start practicing your child’s oral hygiene routine and a few tips on helping that process go smoothly.
Healthy Smiles Start Early
Taking care of your baby’s smile starts before that first pearly white comes in! You should wipe down your infant’s gums with a wet washcloth daily to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Then, as soon as that first little tooth begins to erupt, you should begin cleaning it as well! Once a few of their primary teeth have come in, you should begin to brush them regularly with a child-sized toothbrush. Not only will this help keep their smile shiny and healthy, but it will also help them get used to regular oral hygiene.
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Baby’s Smile
Starting your child’s oral healthcare early is half the battle. It’s just as important to use best practices while doing so to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect them from decay. Here are five tips to keep in mind as you start cleaning your infant’s smile:
- Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes twice a day with a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush
- Soak your child’s toothbrush in warm water before brushing their teeth to soften the bristles
- When brushing, focus on the back molars, since this is where cavities tend to develop first
- Use a smear of children’s toothpaste until they’re 5 or 6, then switch to a pea-sized drop of fluoridated children’s toothpaste
- Start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two touching teeth
How Your Pediatric Dentist Can Help
As a parent, there’s no doubt that you already have a lot going on in your life aside from making sure your little one’s smile stays healthy. That’s why it’s important to remember you don’t have to do this alone! Your pediatric dentist has all the tools, training, and experience needed to get your child’s oral health off to a great start. They can give you personalized advice on caring for your infant’s smile at home, including which products to use and what to watch out for. They also have specialized treatments just for kids and the unique oral healthcare challenges they face. What’s more, your pediatric dentist will help you teach them how to take care of their precious smile all throughout their childhood. So don’t wait to call them today!
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is passionate about caring for the growing smiles of Randolph and the surrounding communities. With a wide range of treatments and a dedication to helping parents, we have everything needed to care for your child’s smile from infancy through their teenage years. If you’re looking for information on how and when to begin caring for your little one’s oral health, our team would be happy to help. We can be reached online or at (781) 767-7200.