Being a parent is a lot of responsibility, especially when your children are newborns or toddlers. You may face unexpected tantrums, screaming matches, and crying – even for basic activities like brushing their teeth! Fortunately, here are some infant dental health tips for your child as they learn to care for their teeth.
For Babies
A baby’s mouth is continuously changing as they grow. Still, when it comes to proper infant dental care, follow these safety steps:
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Wipe your baby’s gums twice with a soft, clean cloth after feeding and before bed. Doing so removes any cavity-causing sugars and bacteria.
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Once teeth come in, begin gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
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Talk to a dentist about fluoride treatments on early baby teeth. Also, schedule appointments when their teeth come in so the dentist can spot, treat, and prevent common tooth problems in infants, like thumb sucking and tooth sensitivity.
If your child is younger than 12 months, consult a pediatric dentist before using toothpaste.
For Toddlers
Once your baby gets older and reaches toddler years, you can train them on proper oral health techniques. Toddlers should
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Make sure your child brushes and flosses twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If your child is less than six years of age, watch them brush. You may need to demonstrate proper brushing techniques on the teeth and gums or brush with them so they can follow your example.
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They should spit out any leftover toothpaste and rinse their mouth with water.
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Talk to your dentist about dental sealants for your child. Dental sealants protect the deep grooves in teeth against cavities, wearing, and chipping.
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Drink tap water with fluoride to protect new permanent teeth.
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Avoid sugary foods and drinks that cause cavities and plaque.
Reilly & Siegel Family Dental is Here to Help!
If you need family dentistry specializing in infant dental health, call us today at 847-546-5550. We’re always accepting new patients! If your child needs emergency dentistry, we can help! From toothaches to preventative dentistry, Reilly & Siegel Family Dental is your go-to dentist in Round Lake Beach, IL.
We provide the best treatments and guidance to protect your child’s teeth from common dental problems.
