Just Had Your First Child? What You Should Know About Caring For Their Oral Health
Posted on: 10 April 2017
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If you have recently become a parent for the first time, you are likely overwhelmed with all of the responsibilities you suddenly have. Taking care of a child is an awesome responsibility that includes a great deal of attention and care. Among those many responsibilities is the need to ensure that your child's oral health is well taken care of and maintained. However, because you are a brand-new parent, you may not know what you can or should do to help your child have proper oral and dental health from infancy and all the way into their adult life. Get to know some of the early steps you should take so you can be sure you are doing what is right for your child.
Begin Taking Your Child To The Pediatric Dentist By Age One
Many parents make the common error of waiting to take their child to their first appointment with a dentist until all of their teeth have come in. However, it is actually much better for your young child to go earlier, around the time of their first birthday.
When your child turns one, they may have already had their first tooth rupture or may just be starting to teethe. Either way, having them go to the dentist at that age will have numerous positive effects. Your child will start to form a relationship their pediatric dentist early on so that dental appointments will not need to be scary or traumatizing for them.
Additionally, you will be able to detect any dental health issues that your child might be developing and ensure that their teeth are coming in properly. This can help you prevent or deal with potential long-term issues that your child could have.
You Can Provide Gum Care and Teeth Care Right Away
Even before your child's teeth begin to rupture, you can begin providing your baby with proper gum and dental care. A couple of times a day, take a small, damp washcloth (a soft one) to gently wipe their gums. This is especially important after feedings to prevent any infections or other issues.
As their teeth begin to rupture, you will want to begin brushing their teeth daily as well. Until they are three, just use a toothbrush with a little water. After the age of three, you can begin to use small amounts of toothpaste in the brushing process as well. The sooner you begin caring for your child's teeth and gums, the sooner you will begin instilling important oral healthcare habits in your child's mind and routine so they can have a fantastically healthy smile for their entire life.
These tips will help you to ensure that your child has healthy teeth and gums from early infancy and throughout their life.