February is children’s dental health month. Throughout the month Okotoks dentist Dr. Vicki McMullen will provide you with dental tips that will help your child.
Dental Tip #1: Tips for your child’s dental health
Starting your child of with good dental care can help protect their teeth for a lifetime. A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw at birth. Those baby teeth that begin coming through the gums around 6 month help set the stage for future smiles by keeping space in the jaw for adult teeth.
How to care for your child’s teeth
- Take your child to a dentist no later than their first birthday to uphold great child’s dental health. At Crystal Smiles, we offer a complimentary check-up for all kids 3 and under.
- Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth. As soon as teeth start to appear, decay can occur. A baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at around 6 month of age.
- Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush his or her own, continue to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily.
- Supervise children’s brushing ensuring that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste, and reminding them not to swallow.