Brushing Up on Hygiene Basics

Teeth begin to form while the fetus is still in the womb. Once born, teeth don’t begin to erupt until the baby has reached four to six months. During childhood, primary teeth will number 24. Starting around age six, those first teeth will fall out making way for the 36 permanent teeth that will serve for the remainder of life. Your kid’s dentist should first be seen around the age of twelve months.

An early introduction to pediatric dentistry serves multiple functions:

That appointment at one year allows for an early exam. This is also a perfect opportunity for parents to learn what is needed to safeguard their child’s teeth as they grow.

Repeated visits to the kid’s dentist allow the child to become acclimated to the sounds, smells, and activities of a dental office. If a child’s first dental visit is due to a problem, subsequent dental visits might be very traumatic for everyone involved.

Regular dental checks bring awareness to potential dental problems that might have been allowed to escalate into major issues if left unchecked.

Hygiene basics change as your baby grows. When teeth first begin to emerge, wiping them with a clean, soft cloth is sufficient. As more teeth come in, and your baby is eating solid foods, brushing teeth with an age appropriate brush and toothpaste should commence. A very small amount of paste is needed, and since your child is likely to swallow it, make sure it is safe. Never use your own tooth paste for your child.

Your child will lack the coordination to brush correctly for some time, so let them watch you brush and floss encouraging them to copy what you do. Even when you think they are ready to brush on their own, they will require supervision for years to make sure they are caring for their teeth correctly and consistently.

Dental decay and gum disease often are the result of neglect. Coupled with a diet loaded with sugary snacks and beverages, the result could be rampant decay. And don’t be fooled into thinking that since baby teeth are going to fall out, they don’t matter. They are laying the groundwork for permanent teeth, and their care is critical.

Daily brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist every six months … these actions could mean healthy teeth and gums for life. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our caring team!

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