I thought there was nothing better than a toothless grin from my little one; that is until one day that sweet smile was full of little teeth and that was pretty precious too! Get your child into a good oral hygiene routine by following these steps:
1. Brush twice a day- Begin “brushing” before your little one has teeth by using a soft brush or cloth to clean your baby’s gums. Once your baby gets teeth they are are risk for tooth decay, so brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Regular Dentist Visits- AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends a first visit between 6-12 months with regular check ups every 6 months.
3. Have sealants applied when appropriate- sealants “seal out” food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay. Ask your dentist if sealants would be appropriate for your child.
4. Fluoride- In addition to using a fluoride toothpaste, check with your dentist to see if your child needs a fluoride supplement. In many areas fluoride is added to the community water supply. Your dentist will be able to determine if a fluoride supplement is appropriate.
5. Diet and snacking- Be sure your child is getting a balanced diet to support healthy teeth and and healthy gum tissue. Limit the number of snack times. Never put your child to bed with milk or juice.