Ensuring Bright Smiles: A Guide to Children’s Dentistry
A highlights the importance of oral health at every age. It’s crucial to begin your child’s oral hygiene journey early. Preparation for your child’s dental health involves steps like teething, brushing, and the first visit to the dentist. Our team addresses common questions from new parents and offers vital tips. These tips are designed to help your child maintain a healthy smile.
When should you take your child to the dentist for the first time?
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) suggests a dental visit early on. This should be when the first tooth shows up, usually between 6 to 10 months, or by their first birthday. Whichever milestone occurs first, that’s your cue.
Why see a children’s dentist when my child only has one tooth?
While a dental check-up may seem unnecessary at such a young age, as mentioned, your child’s oral health extends beyond just their teeth. These initial visits are important for the early detection of dental conditions. In addition, it’s helpful for your toddler to become familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of our dental practice.
When should start brushing teeth?
Even if your toddler sports just a few teeth, it’s essential to keep them clean to ward off bacteria and decay. Once that first tooth makes an appearance, you can kick off the brushing routine. By instilling the twice-daily brushing habit at an early age, you set the stage for lifelong dental health. Encourage this practice consistently. Consequently, your child is likely to maintain it for life.
How do I clean my toddler’s teeth?
Before teething starts, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a damp cloth twice daily. This introduces a sense of comfort. It also makes the eventual shift to brushing much smoother. Once teeth begin to appear, switch to a soft children’s toothbrush and use water only to brush.
Grange Family Dental: Expert Children’s Dentist for Your Little Ones
Also, during your initial visits to the children’s dentist, you’re in for some learning. First off, the dentist will teach you the right way to brush your little one’s teeth. Next up, they’ll guide you on picking the best dental care products. This way, you’ll feel confident about keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy.
Tips for Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
Once your child is around 2 years old, they can begin taking over the responsibility. However, we recommend supervising your child’s tooth brushing until they’re at least 8 years old.
Here are some tips for brushing your toddler’s teeth:
- Position yourself behind your child, looking into a mirror for comfort and better visibility of their teeth.
- Support your child’s chin gently.
- Tilt the toothbrush bristles towards the gums.
- Use back-and-forth and circular motions to clean the chewing surfaces, gums, and all tooth surfaces.
- Softly brush your child’s tongue.
- When your child starts using toothpaste, teach them to spit it out, but rinsing isn’t necessary.
Once your child is around 2 years old, they can begin taking over the responsibility. However, we recommend supervising your child’s tooth brushing until they’re at least 8 years old.
When can my child start using regular toothpaste?
Continue to brush with only water until your child is 18 months old. You can then start using a pea-sized amount of children’s specific toothpaste. Your kids can use normal toothpaste with fluoride once they’re less likely to swallow. Your dentist will advise when it’s appropriate to do so at one of your child’s routine check-ups.
If you have more questions on children’s dentistry, or you’d like to make an appointment for your toddler’s first visit, contact our team of family dentists today. We’re excited to assist with your child’s beautiful and healthy smile!
