Sometimes parents put off early dental care because a child loses his or her their baby teeth during the formative years. However, good oral hygiene should begin in infancy. Whether you bottle feed or nurse, you should start adding some type of dental regimen early. For instance, before your child’s teeth erupt, wipe down the gums with a soft, wet washcloth or gauze.
How to Take Care of Baby Teeth
When the teeth do finally appear, buy a small toothbrush that is designed for babies with a much smaller head to accommodate a tiny mouth. A child should see a pediatric specialist in Egg Harbor Township, NJ as early as one or two years old. The pediatric dentist will keep your child’s teeth clean by removing the build-up of plaque that sticks to teeth. Plaque removal is essential in dental care as it prevents the growth of bad bacteria. This type of growth, if not managed by a pediatric specialist, can lead to such diseases as inflammation of the gum or tooth decay.
Special Care Tips
A pediatric dentist can also provide parents with special care tips on taking care of their child’s teeth at home. The dentist will demonstrate the proper ways to brush and floss and include additional information on the condition of your child’s or children’s teeth. Eating habits are usually discussed and the dentist elaborates on the best times to brush. As a regular precaution, a child’s diet should be low in sugars and starches. Toddlers should also never fall asleep with milk or juice in their bottle.
If you have not yet made an appointment with a pediatric specialist in your community, now is the time to do so. Delaying an appointment may cost you in the future. If you want your child’s dental development to positively progress, you need to schedule early dental visits. Seeing the dentist at an early date will also lessen dental fears in your child.
