7 Important Moments in the Health of Your Child’s Teeth
If you’re a parent, you probably remember your child’s first tooth. It’s an exciting moment, right up there with a child’s first steps and even their first word. Beyond their first tooth, however, there are many other important moments in your child’s dental health that you should be aware of. Each plays a big role in your child’s smile and overall well-being. Here’s a list of 7 important moments in the health of your child’s teeth.
1. When your baby is born, he or she already has 20 teeth that typically haven’t yet come through the gums. Baby teeth start making their appearance after about six months on average.
2. Parents should actually start cleaning their baby’s mouth just a few days after birth, by wiping their gums with a wet gauze pad or washcloth. This helps babies get used to the feeling of something touching their lips, tongue, and gums.
3. Your baby’s first teeth or tooth usually start breaking through the gums about six months after birth. If that’s not the case with your child, don’t worry, some children’s first tooth doesn’t show up until 12 or 14 months.
4. The American Dental Association says it’s best to begin taking your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. It’s important to check your child for early problems. To make a dental appointment for your child, call VCC at (844) 308-5003 today!
5. Until it’s clear that your child is able to do a good job brushing on their own, you should brush their teeth for them. It’s important to brush twice a day, using a child-sized toothbrush. The amount of toothpaste on the brush should be no bigger than the size of a pea. After about the age of 8, a child should be able to care for their own teeth but even still may require an adult to help them brush after they have done the best they can.
6. Flossing is also important for young children. As soon as there are teeth, it’s a good time to begin flossing daily.
7. Few parents realize that cavities can develop from the moment their baby’s first tooth shows up. In fact, more than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by age 4. Some even have cavities by age 2! Regular brushing, flossing and dental exams combined with a low sugar diet from an early age can help to prevent the pain that comes with cavities.
Parents often have questions about dental care for their little ones. What kind of toothbrush should you use? When do permanent teeth arrive? VCC’s Dental professionals can help answer all of these questions and more. Starting your child off with good dental care will protect their smile for years to come.
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(844) 308-5003
The medical information contained on this article is general in nature and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. Although every effort is made to ensure the information provided is accurate and timely, it is provided for convenience and should not be considered official.