Starting your child’s dental care routine as early as possible can help prevent cavities and other oral health issues down the road. With the help of your children’s dentist, encourage daily healthy habits as soon as possible. If you’re not sure where to begin, the staff at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage provides a guide to kid-friendly dental care below.

Clean Your Child’s Mouth Before Teeth Come In

Pediatric dentists recommend beginning an oral hygiene routine before your child’s teeth even come in. After you feed your baby, gently wipe the gums with a wet washcloth. This helps fight bacterial growth and encourages good dental health. 

Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment

Take your child to see the dentist when they turn one or when their first tooth comes in. During this first visit, a children’s dentist will examine your child’s mouth and advise how to care for their teeth before any issues occur. The dentist will discuss issues like teething, thumb-sucking and your child’s risk of cavities. They will also teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and suggest a follow-up visit within the next six months. If you have any questions relating to your child’s oral health, don’t be afraid to ask them during the visit.

Brushing & Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

It’s important to start brushing and flossing as soon as your child’s baby teeth come in. This will establish good oral hygiene habits and reduce the risk of problems with adult teeth later on. 

To encourage good oral hygiene habits, try including a little fun in the routine. Let your child pick out a toothbrush and a different flavor of toothpaste, like strawberry or bubble gum. Play an upbeat song while your child brushes his or her teeth to make the time go by faster.

If you want to schedule a visit with a children’s dentist for your child, contact Alaska Dentistry for Kids at (907) 274-2525. They provide many kids’ dental care services, like cleanings, fillings, and full mouth reconstruction. For more information, visit their website.