Dental hygiene is extremely important and always has been. Proper dental hygiene can determine whether or not you develop gum disease or cavities, how strong your teeth will be, and even your overall health. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important for parents to teach their children how to care for their own teeth. Let’s take a look at a few common questions parents have about their children’s oral health.
At what age should a newborn child visit a dentist?
Generally, most dentists recommend that parents take their children to see a dentist by the child’s first birthday. A lot can happen with your child’s oral health within those first twelve months. In fact, for most children the first tooth typically emerges at about six months old. Kids who have teeth and are a year old or younger are still susceptible to cavities and dental diseases. Parents can learn how to prevent these problems from happening by visiting a service for Childrens Dentistry Wichita KS offers.
Should you worry about cleaning a baby’s teeth at such a young age?
Yes. Again, it’s not uncommon to find dental problems in very young children. Children who nurse and consume milk frequently are at risk of suffering from decay if proper dental hygiene isn’t practiced. Parents are encouraged to clean their children’s teeth just like they would their own. When they’re babies you can clean the insides of their mouths with a special infant toothbrush, which is soft and very delicate. The earlier you start performing this task, and the more consistent you are, the sooner your child will learn to care for their own teeth.
When should children begin using toothpaste?
Until the age of about 2 years old, parents can use a soft infant toothbrush and water to clean the child’s mouth. Toothpaste shouldn’t be introduced until the child is about two or three years old. While toothpaste is being introduced parents should closely monitor and instruct their children on how to brush. Continue teaching your child until they get the hang of it.
These are just a few common questions you might have as a parent. Again, dental hygiene is important for kids of all ages. Make sure you focus on helping your child learn how to clean their teeth, and get the help of a dentist as often as needed.
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