Maintaining your children’s teeth, tongue, and gums is an important part of protecting their overall health. Even though baby teeth are not permanent, dental issues that develop early in life can contribute to serious complications down the road and ultimately affect the health of adult teeth. Most parents know the importance of brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular exams at a family dentistry practice, but you should go beyond to learn as much as possible about caring for their teeth in the years to come. Below are a few smart questions to ask before bringing them in for their first appointment.

What to Ask Your Child’s Family Dentistry Team

1. What Will Happen During My Child’s First Appointment?

There are several goals of the first dental visit. First, the dentist will aim to put your child at ease—a healthy association with dental work begins at a young age. Second, the dentist will conduct an oral exam, and third, they will apply fluoride.

2. How Do I Clean My Baby’s Teeth?

When babies only have a few teeth and their gums are still sensitive, parents can wash them gently with a wet washcloth or dental wipe. As more teeth come in and your child gets older, your dentist will advise you to use a children’s toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. For most fussy toddlers, brushing once a day right before bed is sufficient.

3. How Can I Prevent Cavities From Developing?

Your child’s family dentistry team should be able to share several tips for preventing tooth decay. This might include advice on diet, healthy habits, and various dental products. For example, they may tell you not to let your child fall asleep with a bottle that contains anything other than water. Otherwise, bacteria will thrive on the sugar in the drink while your child sleeps and eventually lead to decay.

If you are looking for a reliable family dentistry practice in McCall, ID, turn to Brian W Charles, DMD. He has been caring for patients of all ages for more than three decades. Check out the practice on their website to learn more about the comprehensive care they provide, or call (208) 634-7653 to schedule a teeth cleaning today.