Believe it or not, oral care starts for children before their first teeth arrive!
As a parent, you play a crucial role in your infant's oral care routine. Start by gently wiping their gums with a warm cloth after feedings. This simple act removes any remaining bacteria and helps your little one get used to the idea of oral care.
When their first teeth arrive, you can begin brushing them with a soft, infant toothbrush. You can also use a pea-sized amount of infant toothpaste that is safe to swallow.
Create Healthy Oral Habits for Your Child
Parents can start incorporating fluoride toothpaste into their children's brushing and flossing routine when they can safely spit out toothpaste, around age three or four.
Children will need supervision and assistance brushing and flossing their teeth until around seven or eight years old.
Even when they begin to brush and floss on their own, parents should continue to check in periodically to ensure they are sufficiently cleaning their teeth and removing the plaque buildup that causes tooth decay and cavities.
Your Avondale children's dentist can support your efforts at home by providing routine check-ups for your child every six months. Children should begin visiting their dentist routinely around age two or three when they can feel comfortable sitting in the dental chair.
Contact Avondale Dental Centre if it's time for your little one's next dental appointment.