Proper dental care and visiting the dentist biannually can lead to a life-long healthy smile, and you need to set the foundation as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. Their needs will change as their mouth develops; it’s usually not until the age of 3 that they can begin handling the job on their own. Here’s what you should know about adapting your child’s dental care as they age.

How Should You Care for Their Teeth?

Your child’s first tooth will appear at around six months of age. Leading up to this time, you’ll need to clean their gums regularly. You can use a clean cloth or gauze pad to gently wash their gums. This will prevent food residue, bacteria, and other particles from lingering and causing infections or other problems. You won’t need to use toothpaste or other products at this stage.

As soon as their first tooth erupts, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the dentist. They’ll check that it came in correctly and everything looks good from a developmental standpoint. They’ll also advise on infant dental care. You’ll need to begin brushing their teeth at least once a day to prevent tooth decay. Use a dentist-approved toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride solution. This is a good time to discuss diet, as well, to ensure your child is receiving all of the nutrients they need for healthy oral development.

What Are Some Common Dental Care Issues?

Teething can be a painful process, and there are ways you can help. Apply pressure with your thumb against your child’s gums to ease discomfort. You can also give them teething toys to chew on. Make sure you clean the toys regularly and keep their dentist updated as their teeth come in.

When a child uses a bottle for too long or thumb-sucking goes unchecked, it can also create oral health complications, such as an overbite or speech impediment. During these ages, continue brushing and flossing their teeth as advised, and work to ween them off of these habits. Over time, the sucking motion can draw teeth out of alignment, and bacteria on the bottle and thumbs can cause decay.

Whether it’s time for your baby’s first checkup or you’re overdue for a personal cleaning, dentist Judy Walker, DDS, can fulfill your needs. Based in Greensboro, NC, Dr. Walker and her staff offer comprehensive general dentistry services, including preventive and periodontal therapy. Dr. Walker has over 25 years of experience and takes a personalized approach with each patient. Call (336) 275-1472 to schedule an exam, and connect with them on Facebook for more dental care tips. Visit their website to learn more about their services.