If you are taking your child to the dentist for the first time, it can be a very difficult feat-most children are far less than anxious to go, and you may not know exactly what to expect, yourself. Often parents are not sure when they should worry about getting their children brushing and flossing, and when the first trip to the dentist should be.
Talking to your dentist about these questions is very important, and they can help you greatly in your decision. Even children can develop cavities and gingivitis if you do not begin caring for their teeth at an early age.
Although you do not necessarily need to brush them yet, you should start cleaning your infant's teeth as soon as they get their first tooth, or even before. When they are nursing, the sugar in your milk can begin to harm their gums.
At first, you can just use a wash cloth to clean your infant's teeth and gums. As they get more teeth, you can use a soft children's toothbrush-make sure that the bristles are gentle.
Make sure that the toothpaste you select does not have any fluoride, as too much can be harmful to your little one. Your dentist will be able to recommend a safe brand and kind that will work best.
Keeping your child from swallowing the toothpaste is important, unless the package says it is absolutely safe. When you are ready to help them brush, use a small, pea-size amount of toothpaste, so that there is little danger of your child getting too much fluoride if they swallow it.
The timing of the first visit to the dentist can be a little hard to determine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that children should see a dentist when they get their first tooth, and not later than one year of age.
Unless your child has risk factors for having problems with their teeth, such as sleeping with a cup or bottle, teeth staining, thumb sucking, etc., the first visit to the dentist should be by around the third birthday. Make sure that you check their teeth frequently, and make sure everything looks healthy and normal.
Make sure that you do not give them any bottles of sugary liquid at night, as this will rot their mouths. Their diet can also have a very powerful effect.
You may also want to see a Pediatric dentist as soon as you can, if your child has a medical or health problem such as Down Syndrome. As mentioned previously, too much fluoride can be very bad, but not enough can be detrimental as well.
Figuring out the right amount it something your dentist can help you with. Children begin to need supplemental fluoride by the age of about six months.
If you give them tap water to drink, and you live somewhere that provides fluoride through the tap as California does, they should be getting the right amounts. If they do not drink water then they may not be getting enough fluoride to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
Talk with your dentist about using sealants in your school age child. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the teeth, hardens, and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances.
Dentists can use sealants on their first and second permanent molars, to help protect them from any pits that can develop into cavities. Flossing is also an important part of good dental hygiene, even for very young children.
You can usually begin flossing once your child is about three to four years old, but they most likely will not be able to floss on their own until they are eight-teaching them by example is one of the best things you can do.
Make sure that they see the dentist every six months, and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. This will help them to not be afraid-once again, teaching them by example will make things much easier for all of you.
Giving them a little treat after their appointment can be a great motivation. Make sure that from a very young age they know exactly how important taking care of their mouths can be.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels has been involved with dental research for 15 years and has been published in several scientific journals for his findings on orthodontic practices. He now resides in Florida and recommends this Orlando Dentist.
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