5 Kids Dentistry FAQs

Knowing how to take care of your own teeth can be hard enough, but if you have a child, you also have to worry about their oral health. It can be difficult to know what is right. The most important steps are to find a good dentist that offers kids dentistry services and to know how to care for your child’s teeth at home. Check out these five FAQs.

How Do You Clean Your Baby’s Mouth?

Even if your baby doesn’t have teeth, you should keep the mouth clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water or even a soft washcloth and warm water to remove any plaque or residue from their gums. This will help keep their teeth healthy and free of decay once they do erupt. Once their teeth erupt, continue cleaning teeth and gums with a toothbrush/cloth and warm water. Do this at least once a day just before bedtime.

When Should You First Take Your Child to the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry urges parents to bring their child in for their first dental cleaning and examination by the time the first tooth erupts. However, you should bring your child in no later than the first year of age. During these initial examinations, the dentist probably won’t find decay or serious complications. However, they will take this time to get to know you and your child and your child’s mouth. The dentist will look for potential future problems and teach you how to care for your child’s mouth at home and what kids dentistry services are available. This is also a good chance to get kids used to people other than mom or dad brushing their teeth.

Do Primary Teeth Really Matter?

These first dental examinations are important. Even though your child will lose their primary teeth, they are still important to care for. For starters, failing to care for your child’s primary teeth can cause immediate problems. If decay occurs, it can lead to pain or even loose teeth, which can make it difficult for your child to eat and speak. However, the problems don’t end there. Primary teeth help create a path, and your child’s permanent teeth follow this path when they erupt. Without the primary teeth, this path is lost, and it’s difficult for teeth to erupt properly.

When Should Your Child Start Using Toothpaste?

Once the first tooth erupts, you can start using a small amount of toothpaste when cleaning. Simply wipe a tiny amount on the brush and clean the tooth. When your child is three to six years of age, you can start using a pea-sized amount. When your child is ready to brush their teeth on their own, allow them to do so, but make sure you supervise them and instruct them until they can brush properly and completely.

Should You Consider Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a popular kids dentistry procedure, and they are great at helping to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Back teeth have a lot of crevices (pits and fissures) on the chewing surfaces. Food and plaque can get caught in here and lead to decay. Sealants fill in these crevices. Your child can eat and talk like normal, but the food and plaque can’t get stuck.

Your child’s oral health is important, and you should begin teaching good oral hygiene habits at a young age. At Landmark Dental Group, the dentists have all the skills and kids dentistry procedures available to help treat your child’s smile and help it stay healthy for life. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.