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Quick Tips to Keep Your Childâ€™s Smile Healthy

By Dental Team

February 16, 2012

Category: Uncategorized

Tags: Children's Dental Health

Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

Sucking is one of a baby’s natural reflexes and serves to help them learn about their world, feel secure, calm themselves and can help them fall asleep. Most children will stop thumb sucking or using a pacifier between the ages of two and four. Once permanent teeth begin to emerge, sucking on a thumb or pacifier can cause problems with growth and alignment so encourage your toddler to use another item such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal to soothe themselves.

Toothbrushing from Day One

The members of the Michigan Dental Association encourage you to take care of your child’s teeth from day one. Infant gums should be wiped with clean gauze after all feedings. Once the first tooth has emerged, begin brushing your child’s teeth and gums with a soft bristled toothbrush and a little water. Lots of new types of toothbrushes and safety brushes for infants and toddlers are available so experiment until you find the right one for you and your child. When your child is able to hold the toothbrush and tries to brush themselves, supervise carefully and then brush again for them to make sure every surface has been brushed. As they learn how to brush, begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach them to spit out the toothpaste and rinse well with water. Toddlers, and even infants who are teething, may enjoy the soothing vibrations of an electric toothbrush. Select one with a smaller head made for young children. Many even include timers so the brush turns off automatically when brushing time is over. Help your child build healthy teeth and healthy habits!

"Well Baby" Dental Exams

If your child has not had a dental examination, schedule a "well baby checkup" for their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that the first dental visit take place within six months of the appearance of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Early childhood dental visits will allow your dentist to monitor the teeth for signs of decay and monitor the progress and potential problems with emerging teeth. Your dentist can also make sure your child is receiving the proper amount of fluoride for healthy teeth. This will also give your child the opportunity to become comfortable with the dentist and dental visits. If you need help finding a dentist who treats very young children, visit http://www.pointsoflightonline.org/ for a list of Michigan dentists who offer age 1 dental visits.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy

Avoid giving your child sweetened liquids.

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day and floss once a day.

Make sure your child gets enough fluoride.

Start regular dental visits by age one.

Ask your dentist for advice on sealants and mouthguards.

Let your dentist know about your child’s health.

Set a good example for your child!

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