Good dental hygiene is one of the most critical factors in the overall health and well-being of your child. Proper cleaning and care must begin early so they develop the right habits to last a lifetime. Below are six preventive dental care tips to help you establish and maintain your child’s oral health.

How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

1. Wipe Gums

Preventive dental care begins right after birth. Even if your baby does not have any visible teeth yet, wiping down gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding keeps bacteria at bay. Gum health is critical for a healthy smile.

2. Brush Baby Teeth

Brushing teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush should occur as soon as a tooth appears. Squeeze a tiny line no bigger than a rice grain of child-safe toothpaste on the brush and work gently. Avoid letting your baby have bottles in bed and schedule a visit with a dentist when they are 18 months old.

3. Establish a Routine

At age three when all of the primary teeth are in, increase child safe toothpaste amounts to the size of a pea and remind them not to swallow. Teach children to brush at least two minutes every time. However until the age of 9, a parent should brush and floss the child’s teeth at least once a day.  As primary teeth fall out and turn to permanent teeth, the space between them decreases, making it vital to remove trapped debris. Schedule preventive dental care visits every six months.

4. Set a Reminder

As kids become more independent, it is common for good habits to fall away. Remind children how clean teeth not only mean better health, but they also make them look better and feel confident. Consider a child ultrasonic toothbrush to ensure teeth and gums are getting cleaned.

5. Braces Care

For children who must wear braces, cleaning is critical to avoid staining and decaying the teeth. Use an ultrasonic toothbrush as this cleans better and more effectively removes plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Rinse with anti-cavity mouthwash to finish.

6. Good Food

No matter how old your child is, diet is another critical step in preventive dental care. Keep sugary, gummy foods, and juices to a minimum. These items are known to cause cavities and eat away at tooth enamel. When tooth enamel is compromised, decay and sensitivity occur. Make sure they floss and brush after eating sticky and sugary foods to prevent cavities from forming.

For quality family dentists in Monroe County, NY, call Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC. Located in Rochester, these dentists provide comprehensive preventive dental care for every member of your family. With over a thousand hours in continuing education courses and more than 35 years in their practice, the dental office features the latest technology, equipment, and techniques for superb oral health. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 247-7110. Visit them online for a look at their patients’ reviews.