You want to be a responsible parent, and one part of that duty is keeping your children healthy. Regular visits to the dentist are a must, but what other ways can you help your child keep their teeth and mouth healthy at home? The guide below answers a few questions that many parents have about caring for their children’s teeth.

A Guide to Children’s Oral Health

Caring for Baby Teeth

Before your baby’s teeth have come in, wipe gums twice a day using a soft cloth. This will help clear away sugar that bacteria could feed on.

When teeth have come in, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and water to clean them. However, you should not introduce fluoridated toothpaste until your child is 2 or older without a dentist’s approval.

Teaching Brushing & Flossing Techniques

As your child gets older, they’ll probably want to take primary responsibility for brushing their teeth. However, children are inclined to brush quickly and miss key areas.

Make a habit of brushing your teeth alongside them to show them the best habits, and make sure they’re spitting out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. Additionally, introduce flossing when their adult teeth begin to erupt. Since flossing is uncomfortable, tell them to hum a song to ensure they floss for at least a few minutes. 

Starting Dental Visits

Your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen by their first birthday. Early dental care will help you identify any problem areas and ensure your child’s teeth are coming in correctly. You should also visit the dentist if your child damages their teeth, shows signs of temperature sensitivity in their mouth, has an abnormal bite, or complains of pain in the mouth.

After the first routine dental visit, reschedule every six months thereafter, as your child’s mouth will undergo a lot of changes and growth during this formative period.

Put your child’s dental health in good hands with a visit to Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., L.L.C., in Oconto Falls, WI. Their team can take care of your whole family’s dental health needs, from regular checkups to fillings and crowns to cosmetic procedures. They accept many major insurance providers, and also offer a payment plan for uninsured individuals. To learn more about their services, visit them online and or call (920) 846-3163.