It is important to care for your child’s teeth and gums from an early age, and when they are old enough, teach them how to practice proper dental hygiene. Drs. Nemeth, Neeley, Hayashi, Bradley and Lewis are happy to educate parents and children about early oral hygiene in Austin, Texas.
Before your baby’s first teeth erupt, clean their gums with a soft cloth or a gauze pad to remove plaque. As soon as your child’s teeth come in, begin cleaning them with a soft toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child is two years old, start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach them not to swallow toothpaste. As soon as your child’s teeth touch each other, start flossing them. Brush your child’s teeth until they can start doing it on their own, at about age three or four.
Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or other products that contain sugar, as these cause cavities. Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with our dentists. If your child needs extra fluoride, we may recommend a supplement or gel for your child. Make sure that your child’s mouthwash does not contain alcohol. If your child is six or older and has cavities, ask us if he or she should try a fluoride mouthwash. Make sure your child does not swallow fluoride mouthwash. If you notice your child sucking his or her thumb or fingers, help them to stop. If the child cannot stop the habit, visit our dentists.
Feel free to contact Barton Oaks Dental Group today for more information and to schedule an appointment.