Caring for Your Child’s Dental Health
As parents, we are always eager to ensure that our little ones are happy and healthy. Caring for your child’s oral health is an important part of keeping them healthy as a whole; continue reading to learn more about caring for your child’s dental health.
When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Check-Up?
It is typically recommended to bring your child to the dentist for the first time sometime around their first birthday, or whenever their first tooth erupts. In most cases, it is recommended to bring your child to the dentist no later than their second birthday.
While it may seem a bit silly to schedule a dental appointment for your child when they have virtually no teeth in their mouth, these first few early visits are actually incredibly important; it is during this time that your child can begin to form a positive relationship with the dentist, and your child’s dentist will be able to develop a strong prognosis for the growth and development of the teeth.
Teeth-Friendly Diet
A healthy diet is perhaps one of the most important aspects of pediatric dental care.
Providing your child with a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins is an excellent way to ensure that they are able to maintain strong and healthy teeth. Examples of teeth-friendly foods include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Milk
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Fluoridated water
In general, it is best to limit your child’s consumption of sugary foods and beverages, such as soda and candy. While a sweet treat is okay every once in a while, it’s best to limit your child’s intake of these foods as much as possible. Sugars and acids attack the protective outer layer of the tooth known as the enamel; this can lead to decay or damage over time.
Home Care
Showing your child how to care for their teeth at home is an important part of maintaining their oral health.
Before any teeth in the mouth have erupted, you can use a warm washcloth to wipe their gums clean. Once teeth begin to erupt in the mouth, you can use a small amount of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice to brush their teeth until the age of 3. Once your child is 3 or older, you may use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Teach your child to brush thoroughly twice daily for two minutes. Once they have two teeth in the mouth that touch each other, you can begin to teach them how to floss. Be sure to change your child’s toothbrush out every 3 to 4 months.
Regular Dental Visits
Once your child has had their first dental check-up appointment, they will most likely be asked to return for a check-up every six months. Once the majority of their teeth have erupted, they will be recommended for their first dental cleaning. They will then typically be asked to return every six months for their cleaning and check-up.
Attending in-office visits, in conjunction with proper home care, is key to maintaining a healthy and happy smile.
Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Best Pediatric Dentist in Rockville, MD
Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to provide top-tier dental services in Rockville, MD.
For more information about helping your child maintain a healthy smile, or to get scheduled for an appointment in our Rockville dental office, give us a call at 301-417-6957.
