New parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s recommendations on infant oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. After all, brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to dental caries as older teeth.
Parents are encourage to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, it becomes more critical for the teeth to be brushed after each meal or, at least, twice a day.
It is essential to choose the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft bristled brush is best with a small amount of toothpaste. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are beneficial. Also, there are circle and triangular-shaped brushes that allow your toddler to walk around with their brush with less chance of injury in case of a fall.
If the toothpaste is causing an unpleasant struggle, brush without toothpaste. The goal is to remove food fragments that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities.
When two teeth touch, it’s time to floss. Flossing is critical to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills which most children don’t develop before age six or seven. Parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively.
Until the child is old enough to properly brush his or her teeth, they should receive adult supervision and guidance. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing methods will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time consuming, remember that it’s making a daily habit that will safeguard their health. Also, dental expenses related to poor oral hygiene will be avoided.
Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early, but just as your pediatrician sees your baby regularly to make sure their physical health is on track and counsel you about your essential role, you can count on the staff at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry to look out for potential issues and advise you about how to help your child maintain a healthy smile.
Seek your dentist’s counsel regarding pacifiers and sippy cups, nighttime bottles, and x-ray safety. Dentist can advise parents with older children about sealants, tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.
If you live in the Mt. Vernon area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry at 703-360-5881 to schedule your child’s dental appointment with Drs. Geren & Mady. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our Alexandria dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist.
Be sure to check our website at https://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/ for more information about our services. We provide sedation dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns, teeth whitening and Invisalign.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry: 703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
