How to take care of your children’s dental health – 10/14/2023 – Balance

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist for the first time within six months of their first tooth emerging, or by age 1 — and every six months thereafter for cleanings and check-ups.

Because some children keep some of their baby teeth until age 12 or 13, it’s important to keep them healthy, says Judy Yip, a pediatric dentist in Garden Grove, California.

So here’s what parents need to know.

START EARLY

You can get your baby used to oral hygiene by wiping their gums with a damp washcloth twice a day, even before their first teeth emerge, recommends Jonelle Anamelechi, a pediatric dentist in Washington, D.C.

As soon as your first tooth appears, brush it gently twice a day with a small toothbrush and a grain of rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, suggests Yip.

Once the teeth start to come together, floss between them using disposable flossers, says Erin Issac, a pediatric dentist in Pittsburgh. Once your child knows how to spit, you can switch to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and have them use a fluoride mouthwash once a day as well.

MAKE BRUSHING EASY AND FUN

If oral hygiene feels like a struggle, do your best to at least brush at night, says Anamelechi—that’s when teeth need cleaning most.

You don’t need to brush in the sink, either. You can do this while kids are in the bath or in a car seat, Dr. Issac said. “Sing a song, do a silly little dance,” she suggests.

Give your child autonomy too. Let him choose a toothbrush with his favorite character on it or let him try different flavors of toothpaste until he chooses his favorite.

STAY TUNED

In addition to brushing, you can keep children’s teeth healthy in other ways, such as limiting their intake of candy and vitamins. Anamelechi suggests offering apple slices, which she called “nature’s toothbrush,” as snacks.

As children grow older and are able to brush and floss their own teeth, parental responsibility often decreases. But it’s important to monitor that they’re brushing twice a day – and regularly check that they have everything they need, because children don’t always talk when they should.