Keeping an eye on your child’s oral hygiene habits can be difficult, but as long as you teach and enforce good habits when they’re young, they’re likely to continue these habits as they grow older. Take a look at these mouth health tips from your pediatric dentist to keep your child’s mouth healthy from an early age:
- Start brushing as soon as you see teeth. Before teeth, clean gums with a damp washcloth. Then, graduate to a soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth have popped through the gums.
- Visit the dentist. Take your child to the pediatric dentist for the first time by the time he or she turns one year old. The dentist can provide you with more tips for keeping the baby’s mouth healthy.
- Promote good habits at young age. By brushing your child’s teeth with an infant toothbrush and toothpaste, he or she will gradually learn to brush their teeth on their own. Stay as firm as you can on these habits. Offer stickers or small rewards as incentives.
- Avoid the bottle at bedtime. Do your best to avoid putting your child to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula. These liquids can cause buildup of sugars on the teeth. After brushing their teeth or cleaning their mouth, only water should be put in a bottle, if necessary at all.
- Avoid juice. Although juice is a very popular choice for kids and parents alike, it contains an abundance of added sugar that is not needed. Restrict sugary juices in your child’s diet much as possible.
- Graduate from the pacifier. Prolonged use of the pacifier can cause misshapen teeth among young children. It affects the bite of the mouth, and you should do your best to get rid of it around the time your child is potty-trained which is usually around age 2 or 3.
Remember, one of the best ways to ensure your child practices good dental hygiene is by setting a good example! Make your next dental appointment today to show your kids how it’s done.
If you have any more questions or concerns about your baby’s, toddler’s, or child’s oral hygiene, feel free to contact the pediatric dentistry professionals at Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, MD. Schedule an appointment for your child, or yourself by calling 410-747-1115 or visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com!
Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-14/kids-teeth/dental-health-for-kids