Taking good care of your child’s teeth is one of the most important jobs you will have as a parent. While you will need to teach your child how to care for their own teeth, it all starts with how you care for them starting from a young age.
Brush on a Daily Basis
It’s important for proper dental care to begin from as early an age as possible. When your child is used to someone putting their fingers in their mouth, they are less likely to feel uncomfortable when it comes time to sit in the dentist’s chair. You should make sure your child brushes his or her teeth at least twice a day, typically in the morning and at night. You should use a soft brush with toothpaste designed for use in children. Before your child has teeth, use a soft, wet cloth to wipe their gums after eating.
Make an Appointment Early
You don’t have to wait until your child has enough teeth to be able to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Instead, you should make an appointment when your child is still young. Even if your child doesn’t have any teeth to clean, the dentist will inspect your child’s mouth and show you how to properly care for your child’s teeth. This will get your child used to spending time at the dentist so they feel less anxiety when they’re older.
Encourage Self Care
While you will need to brush your child’s teeth for them in their early years, you should look for ways to encourage and teach them to brush their own teeth. You can do this by purchasing character-themed toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Taking good care of your child’s teeth is important from a young age. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist to help handle your child’s dental care, contact us.