Good oral hygiene needs to be a lifelong pursuit and it’s one that should begin as soon as a child is born. You may be wondering how that’s possible when a newborn doesn’t even have teeth yet. Correction—a newborn doesn’t have teeth that have erupted yet. Concealed below those beautiful pink gums are pearly white primary teeth just waiting to smile at you. To make sure your children enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles, Arlington pediatric dentist Dr. Shah would like to offer some suggestions on how you can teach your children good oral hygiene.
Start Early
Don’t underestimate the value of getting your children accustomed to oral hygiene care at a young age. And when we say young, we mean very young. After you feed your baby, take a soft cloth dampened with warm water and wipe their gums. Not only does this remove sugars that are in breast milk or formula, it also helps them get used to having their mouth cleaned.
When that first tooth appears it’s time to begin brushing. Use a small soft toothbrush and some warm water. There’s no need for toothpaste until they are old enough to spit, which usually happens between the ages of two and three.
Set a Good Example of Oral Hygiene
Once your children reach the age of seven or eight and they’re old enough to clean their own teeth, make brushing and flossing a family activity. Children are more likely to make a habit of good oral hygiene if they see mom and dad making it an important part of their daily routine.
Everyone should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. And flossing is just as important for your kids as it is for you. Children are as susceptible to gum disease as adults, and daily flossing helps to remove bacterial plaque, the precursor to this bacterial infection.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Support your family’s at-home oral hygiene routine with dental checkups scheduled every six months. At these visits, Dr. Shah and her staff will clean your children’s teeth and check for cavities and gum disease. She may also recommend additional procedures such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments to strengthen their teeth.
Call Your Pediatric Dentist in Arlington Today
Get your child on the road to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Schedule a dental checkup for your son or daughter with Dr. Shah at South Arlington Dental Care.