Keeping Kids Teeth Healthy for the Long Run

Today we are talking about how to care for your children's teeth! As a parent, we know that you have so much to think about, so much to do, and so much to worry about when it comes to raising children and we want to make sure that your child's dental healthcare isn't something to stress about!

When should you start caring for your child's teeth? The answer is, the sooner the better! Many people don't realize that parents can start cleaning their infant’s mouth and gums with a wet washcloth before their teeth seven tart to appear. Then, as soon as your child develops his or her first tooth, which usually happens in the 5-10-month range, you should start brushing with a small, very soft toothbrush or one of the custom finger toothbrushes designed for children.

The following information from kidshealth.org shows even more how you can help your children from the start!

"Good dental care begins before a baby's first tooth appears. Just because you can't see the teeth doesn't mean they aren't there. Teeth actually begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth, your baby has 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully developed in the jaw.

Here's when and how to care for those little choppers:

Even before your baby starts teething, run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria.

Once your baby gets teeth, brush them with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Use fluoride toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance. (If you are using baby toothpaste without the fluoride, keep it to the same amount because you still want to minimize any toothpaste that is swallowed.)

Once your baby's teeth touch, you can begin flossing in between them.

Around age 2, your child should learn to spit while brushing. Avoid giving your child water to swish and spit because this might make swallowing toothpaste more likely.

Kids ages 3 and up should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Always supervise kids younger than 6 while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste." 
(http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html) 

To schedule your child's first dental visit with us at Germantown Dental Care, please visit our website at: http://germantowndentalcare.com/ or call us at, (301) 540-5195.