When should dental care begin? As soon as you notice that a tooth has erupted is the correct answer. Babies have 20 teeth under their gums when they are born. These teeth can start to erupt anytime between 6 months and 12 months but can start as early as 4 months. You will notice the baby drooling and chewing more frequently. Your baby’s first teeth play an important role in the health of their permanent teeth, so it is important to learn early on how to care for these first teeth.
You won’t need to use any toothpaste until their molars appear. Until then, just wipe the new teeth with a soft cloth dipped in clean water. It is good to get your baby used to someone touching the inside of his or her mouth. Make a game of cleaning your baby’s teeth by playing popular games like “peek a boo” or “gotcha ya” with plenty of tickling and when your baby laughs, gently wipe the tooth. Cover your finger with the cloth, just in case the baby decides to try out the new chew cloth! You can also hold the baby on your lap while doing this to calm and reassure him or her. Once the molars appear use low-fluoride toothpaste or one specially made for babies and young children.
Kids Dental Care Safety Tips
Never allow a baby or small child to walk around with a toothbrush in their mouth.
Do not allow your baby or small child to swallow toothpaste (fluoride is poisonous).
Be sure to store the toothpaste in a cabinet that is well out of your child’s reach.
Most young children require assistance while brushing until around age six. So continue to supervise how they are brushing and how often they brush to assure that their teeth are getting good dental hygiene. By age 6 your young child will need to brush at least twice a day, and after each meal is preferred. This is a good time to start the habit of flossing to remove those particles between teeth. Good habits started while they are young can lead to a lifetime of good dental health.
Timing of First Dental Visit
When you see that first tooth is a good time to call your family dentist to find out when they schedule their first visit. The first visit will most likely be one to familiarize your child with the dentist. This friendly visit helps to alleviate any anxiety in child or parent. Unless your child has special circumstances, it is not necessary to take your child to a pediatric dentist, unless your dentist recommends that you do so. Your dentist can help you to monitor your child’s mouth and also help you to set up good dental habits early. Your child will become more comfortable with the dentist if they are exposed early and often to the experience of seeing the dentist.