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From the moment a child’s first teeth come in, it’s essential for parents to keep an eye on their dental health and hygiene. Even though these teeth are temporary, you don’t want early visits to the dentist to involve treatments for cavities or other dental issues. Luckily, according to Rachel E. Gold, D.M.D. of Cold Spring, KY-based Total Health Dentistry, there are a number of things you can do to maintain your baby’s emerging smile.

Protect your child’s dental health with these five easy steps:

  • Clean The Gums: Oral hygiene should begin before baby teeth have emerged. This is done by wrapping a warm washcloth around your finger and using it to wipe off gums after feeding. There are also special wearable devices made of a soft rubber that are specially designed for baby gums.
  • Protect Every Single Tooth: While many assume baby teeth aren’t important because they eventually fall out, they actually serve a very important function for spacing, chewing, and developing speaking skills. Good care early on prevents gum diseases and more serious conditions.
  • cavitiesKnow The Signs Of Cavities: Keep an eye on your child’s teeth and learn to recognize common signs of cavities, including discoloration and the development of pits in the enamel. Be extra vigilant if you bottle feed or give them juice, as these are notoriously damaging to baby teeth.
  • Make Sure They Drink Water: This tip applies no matter how old you are. See that your children drink plenty water, especially after they eat. Not only is this is an effective way to get rid of food particles that remain in teeth, but it also helps control the pH balance in the mouth, preventing decay.
  • Schedule The First Dental Exam: Dentists recommend the first dental exam occur within six months of the first tooth emerging and no later than the child’s first birthday. After that, make sure to schedule appointments every six months so the dentist can keep an eye on development and take care of endemic issues.

The more you do early on, the better off you and your child will be in the long run. If cavities or other issues do arise, Dr. Gold and her team at Total Health Dentistry are ready to help. Check out their website for more baby dentistry tips, and call them at (859) 441-1230 to schedule an appointment. You can also keep up with news from this practice on Facebook.

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