As a parent, you have much to do to keep your baby’s teeth healthy, from picking the right toothpaste to choosing a good toothbrush. There are many choices, making it hard to find the best one for your baby’s sensitive teeth and gums. Let’s learn how to take care of your baby’s dental care routine.
Why is Baby Dental Care Important?
Many parents keep these thoughts running in their minds that, baby teeth would later fall off and gradually grow permanent teeth, so they find themselves wondering what’s the big deal about looking after the baby teeth. However, baby dental care is important for many reasons.
First, they are crucial in learning to speak and in chewing. Secondly, baby teeth ensure that the permanent teeth come in at the right place. The teeth left unattended can succumb to cavities, tooth decay, or oral health-related problems to the extent that the growth of permanent teeth can be affected.
Besides, when a child’s dental habits have been formed at a young age, they may have the proper foundation to build on throughout life. An added benefit is they make the child ready for future visits to the dentist while reducing any potential future chances of anxiety about dental work.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Your Baby
There are some factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for your baby:
- Firstly, it is essential to choose a toothpaste that is specifically designed for babies and toddlers. These toothpaste are formulated with lower levels of fluoride, making them safe for young children who are prone to swallowing toothpaste.
- Fluoride is a mineral that protects the enamel and prevents tooth decay. However, excessive fluoride may cause fluorosis, which impacts the appearance of the teeth. So, using a toothpaste containing the right amount of fluoride according to the age of your baby is very important.
- For one, look for toothpaste carrying the ADA seal of acceptance. The ADA conducts tests and gives approval to only those toothpastes that satisfy the safety and effectiveness evaluation by the organization.
- Lastly, one should consider the flavor of the toothpaste. Babies do not like strong flavors, so they should choose a mild flavor that they like. Adult toothpaste should not be used because it usually has a strong flavor and high amounts of fluoride.
Establishing a Baby Dental Care Routine
Start your baby’s teeth-care routine after selecting the best toothpaste for them. The following tips will lead you on what to do next:
- Start Early: According to a suggestion, take the baby for its first dental visit by the first birthday or six months after its first tooth.
- Brush Twice a day: As in adults, babies should also brush their teeth twice once in the morning and once before going to bed-at least to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth that cause decay.
- Soft-bristles Brush: For your baby, the toothbrush needs to be a soft-bristle toothbrush. Harsh bristles would be so hard on their babyish gums; that they’ll not be able to stand it without minor bleeding or some swelling of the gums.
- Just a Small Amount of Toothpaste: For children under age three smear the size of a grain of rice toothpaste; between 3 and 6 years old pea-sized amounts of toothpaste.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Introduce these judiciously into your children’s diets: Sugar-containing foods and drinks lead to tooth damage and increase the chances of tooth decay.
Start Your Baby’s Dental Journey Today!
Flossophie Children’s Dentistry is your trusted pediatric dentist in Duluth. We commit ourselves to making sure that the little one gets the best possible start for oral health. Whether it is answering questions or addressing different concerns about your baby’s dental care, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
A healthy smile has its beginnings early in life, and we help create a positive dental experience for little ones. Contact us right now to schedule a consultation and take this step toward building happy memories with your child toward a future of smiling healthy grins!