Your child’s oral health is just as critical as yours, no matter how little they are. You can start proper dental care routines with your child as young as a newborn! Here are a few tips and tricks to help start your child on a proper oral care routine to help build healthy habits!

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , you can start age-appropriate dental care for your baby in a few different ways. After your baby feeds first thing in the morning, and right before bed, gently wipe their gums with a clean, soft cloth. This helps keep their gums happy and healthy. By wiping their gums, you are wiping away bacteria and sugars that can lead to potential cavities. When you start to notice teeth coming in, brush them with a soft toothbrush and plain water. You can find toddler specific toothbrushes at your local stores. Dentists also recommend that your child should go in for their first check-up by their first birthday. They might not have a lot of teeth, but your dentist can detect any early signs of future issues!

Did you know that about one in five children aged 5 to 11 years old has at least one untreated decayed tooth? This is why it is so important to start building a dental routine with your children as soon as you can. Once your children have surpassed the toddler stage, they will have more and more teeth. As teeth start to come in and fall out, it’s essential to keep them clean. One simple way to build a healthy routine is to help your child brush their teeth twice daily. Show them how to put a small dab of toothpaste on their brush and set a timer. We should typically brush our teeth for at least one minute. A timer can help keep your child on track while brushing their teeth. Also, make sure your child visits the dentist at least once a year so they can monitor their oral health. If there are any issues like decayed teeth or cavities, early detection will find them!

We realize that some children might have a fear of the dentist. At South Holston Dental , we work to make our office feel comfortable and welcoming to all our patients, including children! We want all of our patients to have a great experience at our office, so they no longer fear the dentist! If you would like to learn more about caring for your child’s oral health, visit us online here. You can also schedule an appointment with any of our doctors by contacting us online or calling us at 276-762-2323 today!

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