Caring for the teeth and gums is highly important for the health of the mouth. When a child is too young to care for their teeth on their own, it is the parents’ responsibility to see to his or her oral hygiene.
Your child’s dental hygiene should begin at an early age. Before his or her teeth come in, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, wet gauze or cloth after every feeding. As soon as his or her first tooth erupts, the tooth should be brushed.
Use a soft-bristled, child toothbrush to brush your baby’s teeth. If you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before their first birthday, consult with our dentist, Dr. Brandon Burger. If your child has a moderate or high risk for tooth decay and is younger than two years old, use an amount of toothpaste that is less than pea sized. For a child that is two to five years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth once a day as soon as they have teeth that are next to each other.
Your child can begin brushing their teeth by themselves once he or she is about six years old. Consider inspecting your child’s mouth after they brush to see if they are missing any areas. Encourage your child to brush at least twice a day, in the morning and at night.
We welcome you to contact our office to learn more about your child’s dental hygiene in Hermitage, Tennessee, and to schedule your child’s appointment.