Our pediatric dentists and team know that your child’s baby teeth are not here to stay. However, we stress their importance in your child’s long-term dental health. Did you know that your child’s baby teeth help guide the adult teeth into their correct positions? Did you know that if a baby tooth is lost too early, this can cause issues to arise? Because of this, it is important that you teach your child to brush and floss their teeth daily from an early age. Also, until your child can brush and floss on their own, you should take care of their dental hygiene.
Tooth Brushing
Choose a small toothbrush for your child that can easily reach all areas of his or her mouth. To help your child become excited about toothbrushing time, consider selecting a fun flavor of toothpaste. Before the age of two, use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste that is safe to swallow. After the age of two, about a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste will be perfect. Teach your child to brush his or her teeth for a full two minutes each time. Make sure that your child brushes every surface of each tooth and that he or she spits out the toothpaste when finished. Your child should brush his or her teeth at least two times a day.
Flossing
As soon as your child has two teeth that are beside each other, you should begin flossing them. You may use a flosser or traditional dental floss. To floss your child’s teeth, either stand behind him or her or sit with your child in your lap, facing a mirror. When your child starts flossing on his or her own teeth, you may want to supervise to ensure that proper technique is being used.
Feel free to contact Austin R. Church DDS and Associates Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more and to schedule your child’s next visit with Drs. Preece and Church. Our pediatric dentists and team in Fort Worth, Texas, are excited to get to know you and your little one!