Caring for the teeth and gums is imperative for the health of the mouth. When a child is too young to care for their teeth on their own, it is the parents’ responsibility to see to their oral hygiene and to teach them to one day practice good dental hygiene on their own.
Your child’s dental hygiene should begin when they are very young. Before his or her teeth come in, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, wet gauze or cloth after every feeding. As soon as his or her first tooth erupts, the tooth should be brushed.
When brushing your baby’s teeth, use a soft-bristled, toothbrush of an appropriate size. If you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before their first birthday, consult with our dentists, Drs. Ranson and Fernandez-Ranson. If your child has moderate or high risk for tooth decay and is younger than two years old, use a smear of toothpaste that is smaller than a pea. For a child that is two to five years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth once a day as soon as they have two teeth that are bordering each other.
Once your child is six to eight years old, they can begin brushing by themselves. Consider inspecting your child’s teeth after they brush to see if they are missing any areas. Encourage your child to brush at least twice every day, in the morning and at night. Your child’s toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months.
Please contact Ranson & Ranson DDS PC Family Dental today to learn more about children’s dental hygiene in Morton, Illinois, and to set up your child’s appointment. We are thrilled to serve the smiles of your whole family!