Having a healthy child can be the pride and joy of many parents, but remember to care for their oral health! Caring for their oral health is essential, as cavities are considered one of the most widespread and common diseases among children. Providing them with good oral health can be a life-long pursuit filled with difficulties, but the results are well worth the effort, as you can provide them with a shiny, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. To best protect them from problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and malocclusion, our team at Romans Soltani Dentistry is here to provide a parenting primer for pediatric dental hygiene.
Our Simple Parenting Primer For Pediatric Dental Hygiene
Your child’s oral health plays an essential role in their lives – it frames the way they smile and interacts with people and is often the first indicator of any problems with their health. So, here are our four points to pay attention to when caring for their oral health:
- Newborns and Baby Stages: Newborns and babies are highly vulnerable to cavities during the first year because of the amount of glucose and other sugars in breast milk and baby formula. The cavities can develop underneath the gumline, causing much discomfort for your child. If you have a newborn, make sure to use a washcloth and wipe down their gums every morning, afternoon, and evening, or after every feeding session, to remove any leftover breastmilk and other residues in their mouths to prevent cavities.
- What To Do With Their First Tooth: If your child’s at the stage of their first baby teeth, it’s time to start brushing their teeth! When brushing their teeth, make sure to use an infant toothbrush that has extra soft bristles. The soft bristles help protect their sensitive teeth and gums from any damage. Brush their teeth using small, circular motions, and use a tiny amount of infant-safe toothpaste to help keep their budding teeth clean.
- Mothers Are Important Too: However, here’s the big secret – pediatric dental care should begin before they’re even born! Soon-to-be parents can actively care for their child’s oral health by taking care of their own health in return. Mothers who have unhealthy diets or poor dental health can increase the risk of bacteria exposure to developing newborns, so make sure to get regular prenatal exams, avoid cosmetic treatments during your pregnancy, and find the right family or pediatric dentist beforehand to prepare your child for their first appointment.
- Start Their Hygiene Habits Early: By the time they reach two years old, your child can start learning how to brush and clean their teeth on their own. Through regular guidance, start teaching them how to brush their teeth in circular motions, spit out toothpaste after brushing, and establish a healthy routine of brushing twice a day to help them feel more positive about their oral health. Through this, they can have an even better experience at the dentist!
Schedule a Family Appointment at Romans Soltani Dentistry Today!
As dentists who love caring for families, Dr. Anna Romans and Dr. Sheila Soltani provide families with many options for dental treatment, including cosmetic, pediatric, and general dental treatments in Camillus, NY. For more information about their services, contact Romans and Soltani Dentistry today by calling (315) 487-1545 to learn more.
