Believe it or not, caring for your little one's teeth begins before their first tooth arrives! Good oral care starts after feedings when they're infants. Parents can wipe their gums with a warm washcloth to remove the bacteria left after feeding. This also helps your child acclimate to oral care early on.
Helping children care for their teeth sets them up for successful visits to the dentist and a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. Here are some helpful tips for caring for your little one's smile as they grow.
#1 Begin Brushing as Soon as New Baby Teeth Arrive
You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants when they get their first tooth. You can also use a smear of infant toothpaste that is safe to swallow. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and AAPD recommend using a grain-sized smear (like rice) of toothpaste for brushing for ages under 3 as soon as the first tooth erupts, and switching to a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6.
Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle, especially those filled with milk or juice. This allows the sugary beverage to sit on your little one's teeth, which could cause decay and "bottle rot."
#2 Visit Your Children's Dentist By the Age of One
Dentistry for kids in North York starts early. At Emery Village Dental, we like to begin building relationships with children as soon as their first tooth arrives or by their first birthday. These early visits allow us to monitor your little one's oral health and development.
Children should continue to visit their dentist for preventive appointments every six months, just like their parents. At Emery Village Dental, we are CDCP providers, which means we cover certain dental services for kids.
#3 Lead By Example
As your little one gets older, let them see you brushing and flossing your teeth and attending your dental cleanings and checkups. This teaches them good oral health care tenets, and they'll want to follow your lead.
#4 Monitor and Assist Your Child with Their Oral Care
Your child will need help with their brushing and flossing routine until they're around age seven or eight. After that, parents should continue to check in and monitor their kid's brushing and flossing performance.
#5 Protect Their Smiles
If your child participates in sports, our dentists can make a protective mouthguard to help protect their teeth and mouth from injury.
Our dentists may also recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants for older children to protect their smiles.
Our team will also talk with your child about the importance of nutrition, helping them understand how limiting sugary snacks and beverages protects their smiles, so they can start making healthy food choices.
Is It Time for Your Child's Next Dental Appointment?
If you're looking for excellent children's dentistry in North York, look no further than your team at Emery Village Dental! Contact us to arrange your little one's next appointment.
