subject: Good Dental Hygiene Tips For Your Baby From A Seattle Dentist [print this page] Becoming a parent for the first time is thrilling, but it can also be a bit frightening when it comes to having someone dependent on your good care and judgment. This couldn't be truer when it comes to dental hygiene for your baby. Knowing how to take care of your baby's teeth is critical to your child having a lifetime of good oral health.
From that first little tooth appearing at around six months of age, it's important to make your baby's dental health a top priority because even babies as young as one year old are at risk for cavities! This article looks at how you can ensure good dental hygiene for your baby for oral health that lasts a lifetime.
Brushing Your Baby's Teeth
Even if your baby only has one tooth, it's time to start brushing. However, you don't need to brush with an actual toothbrush and toothpaste just yet. Simple wiping your baby's tooth or teeth and gums with a cotton cloth after meals is enough to ensure a clean mouth under the age of one. Don't overlook the importance of cleaning your baby's teeth after bottle feedings as well. If you make cleaning your baby's teeth a part of meals and feedings, you start a habit that will last a lifetime.
Regular Dental Appointments
Most dentists recommend babies start visiting a dentist for regular dental appointments at least by the age of one. Even if your dental visit only involves the dentist taking a quick peek into your baby's mouth, it gets your baby accustomed to visiting your Seattle dentist from a very young age. In addition, your dentist can see the beginnings of problems even by just peeking into the mouth of a baby with only one tooth and can give you tips for preventing problems from habits like thumb sucking. Your dentist will also let you know when it's time to start brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste and to start using dental floss.
Choosing The Right Dentist
Make sure you choose a pediatric dentist for your baby. Pediatric dentists have the special training, equipment, and facility for best treating babies and young children. Not only will this make your baby feel more comfortable, but the staff also has the experience to make your baby's trip to the dentist fun and positive from the very first visit. Having the equipment to examine babies and young children (from dental chairs and x-ray machines to dental tools and extras like videos and music that can capture a child's attention while undergoing dental work) makes a pediatric dentist by far the best choice for your baby. When your child is old enough to start using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, a pediatric dentist can even provide a little training that ensures your child brushes and flosses correctly.
Dealing with your baby's dental care doesn't have to be difficult. By choosing a pediatric dentist, making regular dental appointments, and make cleaning your baby's gums and teeth a priority, dental care becomes a simple habit that will ensure your baby has good oral health for a lifetime.
Good Dental Hygiene Tips For Your Baby From A Seattle Dentist
