There are many factors that contribute to how successful your child’s first appointment is. If you follow the below tips, you will be sure to leave the appointment with a smile.
- Before the teeth erupt, be sure to clean your child’s mouth with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush at bath time. This will help prepare the baby for future teeth cleaning.
- Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day with a toothbrush for children. Many people assume baby teeth are not important, but they in fact help prepare the surface for the permanent teeth.
- If your baby is placed to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water. The sugary drinks will cause bacterial acid to attack the teeth for an extended period of time. The first sign of a cavity is discoloration and minor pitting.
- Once the teeth begin to develop, if your child prefers to be breast-fed often or for long periods of time, this can cause severe tooth decay if your child has been introduced to other foods/beverages in his/her diet.
- Never dip a pacifier in anything sweet.
- Never attach a pacifier to the child’s crib or body with a string, ribbon or cord.
- Make sure to follow meals with water to remove any excess food in the teeth.
- At age 2, start brushing with a small amount of toothpaste (non-fluoride). Wait until your child is 3 (when they know not to swallow) to use fluoride toothpaste.
For more tips, call to schedule an appointment with our Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Cunningham at 216-661-8888.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
http://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/baby-tooth-care-tips1/#page=2
