As a parent, few things feel better than knowing that your child is both happy and healthy—and much of this starts with their dental health. Unfortunately, this aspect of childcare can be overlooked early on, simply because children aren’t immediately born with teeth. Keep reading for a few useful tips from your trusted pediatric dentist that are certain to help you set your little one’s smile up for a bright future!
1. Oral Care Starts Early
Believe it or not, oral care starts before your child’s first tooth appears! Although they eventually fall out, baby teeth need to be cared for during every stage of their life cycle, including before their eruption. You can do this by wiping your infant’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding sessions to remove lingering food debris and harmful bacteria. Once their first tooth appears (often around the six-month mark), you can begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants with a small dab of toothpaste.
2. Good Nutrition Matters
A healthy diet is important for several reasons, and among those reasons is dental health. Sugary and acidic foods can have a severely negative impact on your child’s smile, especially if their baby teeth are still coming in, since cavities target teeth without discretion. Try to encourage your child to eat a balanced diet and provide them with sensible options whenever you can. Hearty fruits and fresh veggies, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy items are all excellent options. Also encourage them to drink plenty of water in favor of sodas, juices, and other sugary or acidic beverages.
3. Lead by Example
Children often mimic what they see adults do—for better or worse. That said, you would mean well to lead by example and instill good oral hygiene habits in your little one from a young age. Brush your teeth with your child, demonstrating proper techniques and helping them as needed. You might also consider making brushing a family activity; simply making the habit more entertaining might make your little one feel inclined to brush as needed!
4. Don’t Go at It Alone
If it seems like there’s a lot you need to keep track of as you begin caring for your little one’s budding smile, don’t fret—you aren’t on your own! Your child’s pediatric dentist is a valuable ally, and they’ll be able to give you the insight you need to help you care for your child’s oral health in between visits. Additionally, when your little one goes in to see them (which should happen no later than their first birthday), they’ll be able to inspect their mouth and ensure that their dental development is off to a great start!
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to have a team of three experienced pediatric dentists: Dr. Lucely Santillan, Dr. Adam Preece, and Dr. Alexander Shau. Thanks to their years of advanced training, they’re able to provide specialized treatments that are designed to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of kids. They can help diagnose bruxism in your child and will work with you to discover solutions for helping your little one stop grinding their teeth. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, they can be reached online or at (972) 364-7472.