Most parents have difficulties judging how much dental care their child needs. Common questions parents have are: When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment? Should my 3 year old floss? How could I maintain and keep my kids teeth healthy?
Parents know they want to prevent cavities, but don’t always know the best way to do so. Proper dental care and hygiene begins before baby’s first tooth appears. Just because we can’t see the teeth, it doesn’t mean they are not there. At birth 20 primary teeth are forming under the jaw, some of which are fully developed. Teeth are actually beginning to form in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Quick tips for parents:
* Running a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums after feedings can help prevent buildups of damaging bacteria.
* Practicing good feeding habits play a huge role. Babies can have problems with dental decay, if babies are put to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. It may be convenient for short term but it can harm the baby’s teeth. When sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby’s teeth for hours they may eat away at the enamel.
* Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft toothbrush.
* It’s important to start introducing flossing to a child once they have two teeth that touch.
* Once a child turns about 2 1/2, Most primary teeth will be out so its impotent to schedule his/ her first dentist appointment to make it easier on them and the Doctor.
