Taking care of a baby is a lot of work, so understanding how to keep your baby’s teeth clean may not be one of your top priorities. But proper oral care is absolutely essential for children of all ages, so Grand Mission Dentistry has put together this quick guide on how to keep your baby’s teeth clean. Take a look, and ensure that your child gets the dental care that they need for a healthy mouth!
Our Top Oral Care Tips For Babies And Children
Here are the best tips for taking care of your child’s oral health.
- You should clean your child’s mouth even before teeth erupt – Using a clean cloth, wipe down your child’s gums after feeding. This helps maintain healthy gums, and prevent bacterial infection.
- You should start brushing when the first tooth erupts – As soon as your child begins to teethe, use a toothbrush to clean all of the currently-erupted primary teeth. You don’t have to use toothpaste until your child is about 2 years old, but you can use non-fluoridated toothpaste if you wish.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and a “baby brush” after 2 years of age – At this point, your child is able to spit out toothpaste, so you can start using non-fluoridated toothpaste while brushing. Use about the size of a grain of rice. You can increase this to a pea-sized amount after age 3+, when they are able to spit more effectively.
- Visit a dentist every 6 months, as soon as the first baby tooth erupts – As soon as your child has teeth, they need to see a dentist. Usually, the first tooth will erupt at 6-12 months, so schedule an appointment with Grand Mission Dentistry as soon as this happens.
- Kids can start brushing their teeth at around age 6 – but need supervision – Most dentists agree that kids should start brushing their teeth at around age 6. But you should still supervise brushing to ensure your child is actually brushing their teeth correctly.
Need more tips for pediatric oral care? Come to Grand Mission Dentistry for a pediatric appointment today!
What Should I Do If My Child Has A Cavity?
Even if you do take the proper steps to clean your child’s teeth, they may develop a cavity. In infants and young children, this can be difficult to treat. Fillings may be required for advanced tooth decay, but the best treatment is usually Silver Diamine Fluoride.
Silver diamine fluoride consists of silver, a powerful antibiotic agent, and fluoride, which helps build up teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. This FDA-approved antibiotic liquid is applied directly to the site of tooth decay, and allowed to “cure” for 2 minutes.
This arrests the progression of tooth decay, often eliminating the need for a filling. Silver diamine fluoride is absolutely painless, prevents cavities effectively, and helps relieve issues like tooth sensitivity in children, so it’s the best treatment for tooth decay in babies and children.
Need A Pediatric Dentist In Richmond? Come To Grand Mission Dentistry Today!
Whether your child needs treatment for tooth decay, or you’re simply interested in finding a new pediatric dentist, Grand Mission Dentistry is the place for you. Dr. William Sung and Dr. Tam Nguyen have decades of combined experience treating children, and our past patient testimonials speak for themselves.
Schedule an appointment for your child now at (281) 719-9188, or visit our office at 8620 Grand Mission Blvd, Suite #E, Richmond, TX 77407.